my experience at Avery Lane and how it became a short film

Avery Lane is a women’s-only residential and out-patient treatment facility that I was admitted into in January 2024. I spent 6 weeks at the center participating in group, occupational, individual therapy sessions, and other mental health focused exercises. The experience was extremely unique and once-in-a-lifetime (hopefully), so I felt I had to tell the story in a short film to inspire others. I would not have made this film had it not been for the amazing people I met in treatment (the four girls featured in the group) who unconditionally embraced me and allowed me to show up as I was every day to group.

While the film is ultimately about a loss, it is also about hope. It’s about opening yourself up to things that might help you even though they’re new and scary and confusing. It’s about reaching out to a support network and not closing yourself off. These were all things I experienced while in residential and, in telling such a personal story, something I experienced on set with the people and friends I worked with. While I would never wish living in a residential mental health facility on my worst enemy due to the conditions it requires to be admitted, I hope everyone seeks help and companionship in trying times.