Let’s Get Vulnerable
One of the hardest parts of being a therapist, I’ve found, is the fine line between connecting with our clients in a way that shows humanity and normality, whilst limiting self-disclosure. I find this to be slightly easier in session as I can be quick, to the point, and direct the disclosure back to the client in a way that gives meaning or validates their story. However, I’ve started a direction with these blogs to give glimpses into my life to show that therapists are human beings with their fair share of fears, traumas, and internal struggles. You know, to be more relatable (insert cringe emoji).
All of this to say, I have struggled with coming up with content for this latest blog. I want to write about my story, my truths, but the vulnerability is killing me.. but I have a choice. I can sit in silence until I have something productive to say, I can write some bogus Google-cited blog about clinical anxiety and depression, or I can be brave and write authentically.
Queue putting on my big girl pants. Let’s get vulnerable.
It’s been a tough two weeks since we moved to England from Alabama with our three small children and one large dog. The jet lag has just about come and gone, but it was also paired with stomach bugs, multiple trips to A&E for injuries, and tears – lots of tears. The adversity is creating despair and my inner critic is in full attack mode – she’s such a b*tch!
Life is hard but we learn from adversity. We grow from adversity. And if we’re on the right path, the universe will conspire to help us.
I read a quote by Jasmine James that said “We gotta stop questioning why our path is so hard and start understanding that we don’t have an average destiny to fulfil.”
Damn, that’s good.
Life feels really hard right now but I know that I have been led down this path to support and love the people who need it most. I am proud of the work that I do and refuse to give up in the face of adversity. I will fight through these hard times and come out the other side stronger and more resilient.
If you are struggling with your thoughts or feelings, if you feel stuck, if you feel like something isn’t quite right, it’s so valuable to speak with a professional. Having a completely unbiased, third-party who is able to think rationally and logically can really help put things in perspective.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to a therapist. We are not mind-readers and we are not immediately diagnosing you. We are human beings, just like you, with a bit of extra training on how to use the tools we all already have to help make life more manageable. We then teach you the skills, tips, and tools to be your own therapist and a therapist to your loved one! It’s a great deal, really.
Off to call my therapist now!