May you always find your light within.
To my Therapist,
I can’t believe that it’s been 5 years.
I’m sitting here, in this safe sense of calm, reflecting back on the last several months since therapy has ended for me, as well as looking back on when I started and the years to come. I’ve brought it up a multitude of times, but genuinely, I wouldn’t be the same person I am today if I didn’t do the work I did with you.
It was actually such an opportunity. I’ve heard several horror stories of people’s experiences in therapy that I’m just so grateful I had a positive time with you.
Yes it was hard, which you warned me of. But in the spaces of my struggle you were kind, called me out on my nonsense, and helped me find my way to myself.
You didn't solve my problems for me, nor did you tell me what to do. Within that space, you guided me find my own answers, allowing me to realise that I do have all the answers within me.
The patience and safety you created for me allowed me to create a safe space - my own home - within myself, which I’m ever grateful for.
Thanks to you, I believe I’ve become a person who is willing to grow and learn, remain curious, and also be able to self-soothe and rely on herself when the going gets tough.
I know I know, and I can see you smile now as I roll my eyes mildly so; I have to learn to allow myself to be dependent on others. I’m aware of the fact that I’ve got an army behind me; one I’ve built over time, a support system I know I can lean on. Yet my learning with you has allowed me to take care of myself in the most gentlest of ways, and that's something unexplainable.
Given this reflective time, I’m looking at writing a piece on my new Substack account about 5 learnings I’ve come to in therapy. I can’t help myself, I thought I’d start out my writing pieces with one of the things I speak about so much in my social circle, even though I know the word “therapy” makes people uncomfortable.
Makes them cringe even.
Yet another thing I learnt with you though.
There’s no growth in the comfort zone.
I suppose that’s one of my biggest learnings within the space of your office. From running away from my problems, I’ve learnt to sit with the discomfort and be okay stepping out of my comfort zone.
Thank you. For guiding me to find my light within. I’m just so damn grateful I got to have you as my therapist and that you were a part of my journey.
I am sitting here with my hand to my heart, sitting with peace and tenderness in this moment. I hope my learnings in therapy inspire others to take on their own healing journey.
With lots of love and sunshine,
Athira
Hello!
My first official piece is up, and I hope you enjoyed it. :) Next Sunday I’ll be putting up my next one, on 5 learnings that I’ve come to from 5 years in therapy. This will be my first official newsletter.
I know that the word therapy makes people uncomfortable even in present day 2023. I suppose that’s why I can’t help but write about my experience with it, to demystify thoughts around it, and my learnings within that space.
Your therapist’s office should be your safe space, especially for those who haven’t grown up having one.
It's taken me a long time to understand that therapy isn't for everyone though.
And it’s still something I catch myself making the mistake of doing.
Affordability and availability are just two factors; you've got to be open to it too.
Because therapy is not easy.
I remember before I’d even made my first appointment, I just assumed that I’d walk in, be there for 6 months all fixed, and walk out.
And this is my first reminder and learning…
There’ll be more on next week’s piece. Until then, I hope you take care of yourself and be kind to yourself.
Sending love and compassion.
-Athira
💯