The first time my therapist went on vacation he asked me if I wanted something from his office to help me hold on to him. I was pretty regressed and super attached but still struggling with admitting this. So I couldn't bring myself to ask for anything. The session before he left he gave me something personal of his and his picture. He wrote on the back, "I'll be back - I promise."

No one had ever just done something like that for me before. I'm pretty strong and in charge, so to have someone see the need and be so tender about it - that made me feel safe.

I have lots of examples but this is my favorite.

I think safety ebbs and flows like everything else. But if you take a risk with her and show your vulnerability - have that conversation that is so scary - I think you'll find that the safety expands and wraps around you. And it is so worth it...