(((PC friends)))

chaotic -- I really did just wake up and for the first time really NOT want to go to therapy. I probably could have walked away a couple months ago and been 'OK', but instead I changed my session to every other week. The last couple of months have been more me telling T about things that I successfully dealt with rather than me needing T to help me through a tough spot.

peaches -- It really was not scary for me. It was sad because I appreciate how T has been there for me, but it was sad like at a graduation. I think because I've healed the younger parts of myself, I don't feel abandoned. It was also my choice. T knew it was coming, but he allowed me to do it at my own pace.

tree -- I'll share whatever you are interested in.

My life isn't perfect now. I still have days that are challenging, or times when I'm not proud of myself. But, I now have other coping mechanisms. When I started therapy I literally had no one other than T to talk to. Now I have a group of supportive friends and family members who are a part of my life. I do feel like I've been able to 'internalize' the T relationship and then use it outside of my therapy.

I think the greatest gift T gave me was his kindness and his belief. He always believed in me, and believed me. I don't think I realized how much of my life I spent without feeling heard or understood. Or, how powerful it can be to just accept the kindness of a 'stranger'.

There is hope. Trauma is horrible, and scary, and yucky...but it does not always have to be that way. I can now look back and think of that time from a distance. It is a story, and by talking with T I have made that story my own. I've found meaning, and understanding, and compassion for myself. I have been able to separate what happened to me, from WHO I AM. No one can take away who we are. I think that means I've taken my power back.

Thank you farmergirl, fins, zoo, deli, mixedup...and to everyone else too!