Since I am naturally one who writes out her feelings, this comes easy for me. I do ask her to read them OUT LOUD in front of me. This allows me to feel/know that I AM being heard. Even though I believe she does read my emails, I still need to hear her read things out loud.

She has indicated that these have been tremendously helpful for both of us. There are things I can write down that I would never have the courage to speak to her openly about. Once she reads my notes, that opens the door for conversation. Most of the time, I can elaborate on what I wrote after she reads it.

I can pour myself onto a piece of paper, but don't yet have the courage or confidence to just say it to her. One more thing, I am in such a state of anxiety when I go to a session, that half the time I cannot remember my name, much less something I want to talk with her about!