A message from Maria Coutant Skinner, LCSW, President & CEO
May 29, 2026
Dear friends;
“Don’t rob anyone of the dignity of their suffering.”
Months ago, I was talking with my friend Tim Walsh, founder and CEO of Adventure Recovery, when he shared this with me, and it really resonated. I’ve been wrestling with it ever since, so I reached out to him again this morning for a follow-up.
Tim says he can’t take credit for the original quote, but he uses it often, and it’s central to both the philosophy of Adventure Recovery and his own approach to life. When I asked about his choice of the word suffering — rather than, say, struggle — he said that suffering is what happens when we avoid struggle. Woah.
He went on to say that suffering can be transformational because it signals to our body, mind, and spirit that change is necessary.
The impulse to step in and alleviate someone else’s suffering is, of course, an empathic response. But how to do that in a healthy way is one of the most human challenges there is. We do others a disservice when we try to rescue them — that impulse is rooted in the assumption that they are not capable of enduring discomfort, and that we somehow know better. The line between helping and rescuing can get blurry, but with intentional discernment, we can feel the difference.
This is radically different from walking alongside someone, being a compassionate witness or guide, and respecting their strength and agency. That approach preserves dignity. It allows for growth, and it sends a clear message: you are not alone, and you are trusted to drive your own change. The journey to health, healing, and wholeness belongs to them.
My best to you always,
Maria
Maria Coutant Skinner, LCSW
President and CEO
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