I'll bring in my journal and let you read the "things I desperately want to believe" list of compassionate statements towards/about myself.
I'm not going to read this one aloud though.
Part of it is shame. I'm not ready to say those words out loud. Writing them was scary enough. One step at a time.

But if I'm being honest, part of it is that I know you'll read it aloud. It always makes me curl up tighter and and squirm in discomfort. But I also want to hear you say those words. I want to hear it in your voice and see it on your face that you really do mean it. I want to hear you say it wasn't my fault again.

Edit: maybe I will tell you. I think I need to tell you. I need you to understand how much I want to get that reassurance from you that these things are okay to feel and believe. I want you to go first so that I can see that it's safe.
I know I shouldn't want that though. I don't know whether it would do more good or harm in the long run. I don't want to be dependant.
I want you to tell me it's okay, that it's something I'm allowed to have.