April 22, 2021
Chris Gilyard, LMFT, Psychotherapist
My car was rear-ended and the gas tank exploded when I was 17 years old. I had deep second and third-degree burns, primarily to my face, head and back. I was in the burn unit for two months, had multiple skin grafts and then had to wear a plastic face mask for two years that kind of looked like a hockey goalie mask. It was form fitted and its purpose was to keep scarring to a minimum. Going through this at age 17 was hell.
About a decade later, I did some really hard work in therapy and started doing much better in life. I also learned more about counseling and earned my master’s degree in human development. Then in my 30s, I met my husband, got married and we have two kids. After being burned so badly, I really wondered if I would ever get married because of how I looked. So that was a really big deal for me.
Twenty years after I was burned, I reconnected with my surgeon and started working on the burn unit as a support representative, which I loved. That inspired me to go back to school and become a licensed therapist. And in 2018 I joined CentraCare’s Integrated Behavioral Health team. It’s such a privilege to be here. Through my work, I want people to know they’re not alone. I’m comfortable being with people in their feelings. Sometimes when people feel like things are hopeless, I tell them that I’ll hold the hope until they can find it. Sometimes people just need us to be hope-holders for them.
What a strong person you are. An inspiration to read your story, and see how you’ve thrived through such a difficult situation. Your team and patients are lucky to have you!
Chris,
We are so lucky to have you! You are able to care for people in such a wonderful way. I’m so glad you did the hard work you had to do in order to become the beautiful person you are!
You are incredible, Chris! Thank you for sharing your story and your hope!!
Chris
What a remarkable story of resilience, hope and purpose! i have appreciated the great work you have provided in our integrated behavioral health program.
with appreciation
John
“Hope-holder” — such an honor to seek and to be granted that role from someone in need.
Chris,
We are so blessed to have you on our BH team! Thank you for sharing your story and for sharing hope with all of us.
Thank you for sharing your story and the call for “hope-holders.” I love that idea.
Chris, You are beautiful – both inside and out. Thanks for sharing your powerful story of resilence!