Dear M,

Oh my goodness...where do I begin? I met you today for the first time, after months of half-hearted searches for a therapist whom I could connect with. It's a bit of a drive to your office in the next city but at this point I don't care anymore. My very first impression of you was that you were young, cute and friendly. I loved your office space - it was modern and cozy and I can totally get on board with the white noise machines you have to drown out the sound from clients in the neighboring rooms. Though I liked you off the bat, what sold me was the way you sat in your chair. Something about how you sat cross-legged put me at ease and made me instantly comfortable with you. I liked that we spent as much time chatting as we did discussing legitimate details about my history. You asked me about my past experiences with therapy, medication and mental health issues. I actually prefer this, rather than sitting down for the first time with a therapist just for them to start right away with "so what brings you here?" I struggle with vulnerability and you managed to ease me into discussing painful topics. I appreciate that. I am SO excited to begin working with you, especially when it comes to my attachment issues, relationship history and other tough subjects. Usually at the beginning of the therapy process, the thought of crying in front of a therapist makes me cringe. Not this time. I haven't felt this way about a therapist since I was a teenager. I thought I'd never find a T like the ones I had back then. I hope you'll prove me wrong.

We agreed to weekly sessions but the receptionist told me you're booked solid next week. Ugh...this is going to be a long two weeks! Thank you so much for giving me something to look forward to.

And for those reading this who know a bit about my history...yes, I am fully aware that I am transferring my insecure attachment from my ex-boyfriend onto my therapist. But at least she won't up and leave when she realizes how "clingy" I am.

If there's anything at all I'm unsure of, it's that she is pretty young...around 30. I'm 24. I would never see a therapist within a couple years of my age because the thought of being so open with someone who could be one of my peers makes me uncomfortable. Can anyone relate? I'm hoping it won't be an issue down the road. I depend on the therapist to be older/wiser than I am - something about this puts me at ease.