I Spent $10,000 on a Midlife Crisis Coach. Here’s Exactly What I Got.
My Investment in Clarity, Not Just Conversation
My mentor, at 48, was successful but adrift. He hired a “midlife crisis” coach for what he later told me was a staggering $10,000 over six months. He didn’t get a magic bullet. He got a structured process. The coach gave him tough assignments, forced him to define his core values, and held him accountable for exploring new paths. He said the money wasn’t for advice; it was for a guided, focused exploration of his own mind. He ended up restructuring his role at work. That $10,000 bought him clarity and a career he was excited about again.
The First Therapy Session: What to Expect When You’re a 45-Year-Old Newbie.
It’s an Interview Where You’re Both the Boss
My dad was terrified before his first therapy session at 45. He expected to lie on a couch and confess his secrets. He told me it was nothing like that. It was more like an interview. The therapist asked about his history and what brought him in, but my dad also got to ask questions. He realized he was interviewing her, too, to see if she was a good fit. It wasn’t about a dramatic breakthrough; it was about establishing a baseline and seeing if he could build a rapport with this person. It was just a conversation.
Why I Fired My Therapist During My Midlife Crisis.
I Needed a Co-Pilot, Not a Passive Passenger
My aunt went to a therapist who just nodded and said, “That sounds hard.” After four sessions and $600, she felt like she was just venting into a well. She was in crisis and needed more than just a listener; she needed tools and challenges. So she “fired” her therapist. She found a new one who practiced a more active, cognitive-behavioral approach. This new therapist gave her homework and questioned her assumptions. She learned that it’s okay to shop around. You’re not just looking for a therapist; you’re looking for the right therapist for you.
The Difference Between a Coach, a Therapist, and a Mentor (And Who You Need).
The Right Tool for the Right Job
My boss explained it to me like this: “A therapist helps you understand why you keep driving your car into the ditch. A mentor is someone who has avoided that ditch and can tell you how they did it. A coach doesn’t care about the ditch; they just help you build a plan to get where you want to go.” He used a therapist to heal old wounds, a mentor for industry advice, and a coach to launch his “second act” business. He taught me you don’t need one guide; you need the right guide for the right part of the journey.
How to Find a Therapist That Doesn’t Just Nod and Say “How Does That Feel?”
Look for the One Who Asks, “What’s the Evidence for That Thought?”
My sister was frustrated with “passive” therapists. She wanted someone who would actively engage with her. A friend gave her this advice: during the initial consultation call, ask the therapist, “What is your approach to therapy? Are you more of a listener, or do you provide active feedback and tools?” The therapist she chose described her style as “collaborative and action-oriented.” She didn’t just ask how my sister felt; she challenged her negative thought patterns and provided concrete strategies. She found the co-pilot she was looking for.
The “Stigma” of a Man Going to Therapy and How I Got Over It.
My Mind Needed a Specialist, Not Just More Willpower
My dad, a classic “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” guy, was struggling. He saw therapy as a sign of weakness. What finally changed his mind was my mom’s analogy. She said, “You hire a mechanic for your car and an accountant for your taxes because they’re specialists. Your mind is more complex than either of those. Why wouldn’t you hire a specialist for that?” That reframing—from admitting weakness to seeking expertise—is what finally got him to make the call. He realized it was a sign of intelligence, not failure.
My “Therapy Homework” That Actually Changed My Life.
The Work I Did Between Sessions Was the Real Work
I thought therapy was just the one hour a week I spent in the chair. But my therapist started giving me “homework.” It wasn’t complicated stuff. One week, my assignment was to notice every time I had a negative thought about myself and write it down without judgment. Another week, it was to intentionally schedule one “purposeless” hour of play. This small, consistent work I did between sessions was what actually started to rewire my brain. The session is where you get the blueprint; the homework is where you build the house.
The Breakthrough Moment in Therapy I Never Saw Coming.
The Question That Unlocked Everything
For months, I talked to my therapist about my career burnout. We were going in circles. Then one day, she gently interrupted me and asked, “I’m curious, what did your father do for a living, and what was his attitude about work?” Suddenly, a floodgate opened. I realized my entire definition of success and my workaholic tendencies were an unconscious attempt to earn the approval of my long-deceased father. The burnout wasn’t about my current job at all. It was a 30-year-old story I was still trying to finish.
Is Your Therapist Any Good? 5 Red Flags to Watch For.
How to Tell if Your Guide Is Lost
My older coworker was seeing a therapist for a year with no progress. I asked a psychologist friend what the red flags are. She said to watch for: 1) They talk more about themselves than you. 2) They offer simplistic, one-size-fits-all advice. 3) They don’t remember important details you’ve shared previously. 4) You consistently leave sessions feeling worse or judged. 5) They don’t have clear professional boundaries. My coworker realized his therapist hit three of those flags. He found a new one and finally started making progress.
The Pros and Cons of Online Therapy (BetterHelp, Talkspace) for Midlife Issues.
Convenience vs. Connection
My manager, who travels constantly for work, used an online therapy service. He said the pro was the sheer convenience—he could have a session from a hotel room in another time zone. The con, he admitted, was a lack of deep connection. He sometimes got matched with a new therapist and had to start over. He found it was great for targeted problem-solving and getting practical tools, but he missed the deeper, consistent relationship you build with a traditional, in-person therapist. It’s a trade-off between accessibility and intimacy.
I Tried Couples Counseling. It Was Brutal, and It Saved My Marriage.
The Most Productive Fights We Ever Had
My older sister told me that going to couples counseling was the hardest thing she and her husband have ever done. The first sessions were brutal. Years of unspoken resentment came out in the therapist’s neutral office. It was like controlled demolition. They had the fights they needed to have, but with a referee who taught them how to listen. She said it cost them about $3,000 over several months, but it saved them the six-figure financial and emotional cost of a divorce. It saved their marriage by first helping them take it apart safely.
The One Thing My Therapist Said That Blew My Mind.
A Sentence That Re-Wrote My Entire Past
I was complaining to my therapist about my “overbearing” mother. I spent 20 minutes listing all the ways she meddled in my life. I was expecting my therapist to validate my anger. Instead, she said quietly, “That sounds less like control and more like a profound fear of loss.” That one sentence completely reframed my entire life story. I wasn’t the victim of a controlling mother; I was the focus of a deeply anxious woman who was terrified of losing me. It didn’t excuse her behavior, but it replaced my anger with a sudden, shocking wave of compassion.
How to Talk to Your Spouse About Needing Therapy.
“I’d Like to Go” Is Better Than “You Need to Go”
My friend wanted her husband to go to couples counseling. Her first approach was to say, “We have problems, and you need therapy.” It went over like a lead balloon. He got defensive and shut down. A week later, she tried a different tactic, using “I” statements. She said, “I am feeling disconnected from you, and I would like to go to counseling together to learn how we can communicate better.” By focusing on her own feelings and framing it as a shared project, she made him a partner instead of a problem to be fixed. He agreed to go.
The Financial Cost of Therapy vs. The Financial Cost of an Unresolved Crisis.
The Most Expensive Option Was Doing Nothing
My uncle was balking at the cost of therapy—about $150 a session. He was in the middle of a full-blown midlife crisis and was making impulsive, terrible decisions. I sat down with him and did the math. His unresolved crisis was costing him a fortune: the expensive “hobby” car he bought and sold at a loss, the bar tabs from going out too much, the hit to his productivity at work. We realized that the cost of not going to therapy was thousands of dollars a month. The weekly session fee wasn’t an expense; it was a damage-control investment.
I Went to a Support Group for the First Time. It Was Terrifying and Amazing.
The Magic of a Room Full of People Who “Get It”
After my divorce, I felt completely alone. My therapist suggested a support group. Walking in that first night was one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever done. But as I listened to other people share stories that were eerily similar to my own, the terror was replaced by a profound sense of relief. I wasn’t crazy. I wasn’t alone. I didn’t have to explain the backstory or justify my feelings. Everyone in that room just “got it.” It was the first time in months I felt truly understood.
The “Type” of Therapy That’s Best for Midlife Crises (CBT, Psychodynamic, etc.).
The Right Tool for the Right Problem
My aunt was struggling and didn’t know where to start. Her doctor explained that different therapies are like different tools. He said, “If you’re having constant negative thoughts and anxiety, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can give you practical tools to manage that right now. If you feel like your issues stem from deep-seated family patterns, Psychodynamic therapy might help you understand the ‘why.’ ” It helped her realize there isn’t one “best” type. The right therapy depends entirely on whether you want to fix the immediate leak or excavate the foundation.
How Therapy Helped Me Understand My Own Family Dynamics.
I Was Just Playing a Role I Was Assigned at Birth
I always thought I was just “the responsible one” in my family. It was my personality. In therapy, I realized it wasn’t a personality; it was a role. As the oldest child of chaotic parents, I was assigned the role of responsible adult when I was eight years old. I was still playing that role at 48, burning myself out for everyone else. Understanding this dynamic gave me permission to finally resign from that unpaid, lifelong job. It allowed me to separate my true self from the role my family needed me to play.
The Things You Can’t (or Shouldn’t) Tell Your Friends, But Can Tell a Therapist.
My Friends Are My Cheering Section, Not My Counselors
I used to vent to my friends about my marriage. But I realized it wasn’t fair. They are not neutral parties; their loyalty is to me. They would get angry at my husband, and then when he and I made up, they were left with that residual anger. I learned that a therapist is the only person you can tell the whole, messy, unfiltered truth to without consequences. They are a neutral, confidential container for the thoughts and feelings that are too complicated or unfair to dump on the people you love.
My “Life Coach” Was Full of Crap. How to Spot a Charlatan.
He Was Selling Inspiration, Not a Strategy
A coworker paid $2,000 for a weekend seminar with a “life coach.” He came back super pumped up but had no concrete plan. We realized the coach was a charlatan. He used vague, buzzword-filled language, offered no verifiable credentials, and promised incredible results with little effort. A good coach helps you create a specific, measurable action plan. A charlatan just sells you a temporary feeling of inspiration. If they can’t tell you their methodology and can only speak in motivational quotes, it’s a huge red flag.
The Power of Being “Truly Heard” for the First Time.
She Didn’t Try to Fix It, She Just Listened
I was telling my therapist a story I had told my friends and family a dozen times. But this time was different. When I finished, she didn’t offer advice or a silver lining. She just nodded slowly and said, “That must have been incredibly lonely.” The way she said it, with such genuine empathy and without judgment, made me feel seen and heard on a level I had never experienced. That simple act of being truly witnessed, without interruption or attempts to fix it, was more healing than any advice anyone had ever given me.
How I Knew I Was “Done” With Therapy.
I Was Using the Tools Without Thinking About It
I didn’t “graduate” from therapy with a certificate. I knew I was done when I started using the tools my therapist had given me unconsciously. I found myself recognizing a negative thought pattern and challenging it on my own. I was setting boundaries with family members without having to rehearse the conversation first. I was handling stressful situations with a calm that surprised me. I no longer needed her to point things out; I had internalized her voice. The training wheels were off, and I was riding the bike by myself.
The Most Important Question to Ask a Potential Therapist in the First Call.
“How Would You Approach My Specific Problem?”
My friend who is a psychologist gave me this tip: when you’re “interviewing” a new therapist on the phone, don’t just ask about their fees and availability. Ask this one question: “Based on the brief description I’ve given you, how would you generally approach working with someone on this issue?” A good therapist won’t give you a solution, but they will be able to talk about their process and methodology. A vague or rambling answer is a sign they might not have the specific expertise you need.
The “Inner Child” Work That Healed My Midlife Angst.
I Was a 45-Year-Old Man Being Run by a Scared 8-Year-Old
My midlife anxiety felt irrational. I was a successful adult, but I was constantly terrified of being “found out” or getting in trouble. My therapist suggested my “inner child” was running the show. We did exercises where I pictured myself as a scared 8-year-old, and as my adult self, I would reassure him. It sounded ridiculous, but it was profoundly effective. I realized that so many of my adult fears were just the echoes of childhood insecurities. By learning to “re-parent” myself, I finally calmed the angst.
My Experience With EMDR Therapy for Past Trauma.
A Brain Hack That Finally Filed Away the Bad Memories
I had a traumatic memory from my early twenties that still felt as raw as if it happened yesterday. My therapist suggested EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). It’s a strange process involving guided eye movements while you recall the memory. It felt like a weird brain hack. But after a few sessions, something shifted. The memory was still there, but the intense emotional charge was gone. It no longer felt like a present-day threat; it felt like a memory that had finally been properly filed away in the archives of my brain.
How a Coach Helped Me Create a Concrete “Action Plan” for My Second Act.
From “I Don’t Know” to a 90-Day Plan
I felt stuck in my career but had no idea what to do next. My “life coach” didn’t focus on my past. Her first question was, “If we were sitting here a year from now, what would have to have happened for you to feel happy with your progress?” From there, we worked backward. We broke down the big, scary goal into a concrete 90-day action plan, with weekly and even daily tasks. She turned my vague, overwhelming feeling of “I don’t know” into a simple, step-by-step to-do list.
The Fear That Therapy Will “Change” You (Spoiler: It Will).
I Was Afraid It Would Extinguish My Fire
A part of me was afraid to go to therapy. I worried it would make me “soft” or that it would smooth out all my interesting edges. I thought my ambition and my drive were fueled by my anxiety, and I was afraid therapy would take that away. And it did change me. It didn’t extinguish my fire, but it did teach me how to control the burn. It helped me channel my ambition in a healthier way, driven by purpose instead of fear. It didn’t make me a different person; it made me a more skillful version of myself.
I Thought My Problem Was “Burnout.” My Therapist Uncovered the Real Issue.
The Symptom vs. The Disease
I went to therapy for what I self-diagnosed as “career burnout.” I was exhausted, cynical, and unproductive. I wanted my therapist to give me strategies for managing stress at work. After a few sessions of digging, she helped me see that burnout was just the symptom. The underlying disease was a deep-seated fear of failure that I had inherited from my parents. I wasn’t just tired of my job; I was tired of a lifelong performance to prove my worth. We stopped talking about work and started talking about my childhood.
The Value of a Neutral, Unbiased Perspective.
The Only Person in My Life With No Agenda
My friends give me advice based on their love for me. My spouse gives me advice based on how my decisions will affect our family. My parents give me advice based on their own hopes and fears for me. My therapist is the only person in my entire life who has zero personal stake in my decisions. Her only agenda is my well-being. That complete neutrality is priceless. It creates a space where I can explore my options without having to manage anyone else’s feelings or expectations.
How to Get the Most Out of Every Single Therapy Session.
The 15 Minutes Before the Session Are Key
I used to walk into therapy cold and waste the first 20 minutes trying to remember what I wanted to talk about. My therapist suggested I spend 15 minutes before each session just jotting down some notes. What were the key events of the week? What feelings came up? What was one thing I really wanted to walk away with? This simple preparation transformed my sessions. I came in focused and ready to work, which allowed us to go deeper, faster. It easily doubled the value of my $150 hour.
The “Resistance” You Feel Before a Tough Session Is a Good Sign.
The Urge to Cancel Means You’re Getting Close
I noticed a pattern. Whenever I was getting close to a real breakthrough or a difficult topic, I would have an overwhelming urge to cancel my therapy appointment that week. I’d convince myself I was “too busy” or “feeling fine.” My therapist explained that this “resistance” is a classic defense mechanism. It’s your brain trying to protect you from discomfort. She told me that the urge to cancel is actually a huge green flag. It’s a sign that you’re on the verge of doing the real, important work.
I Used My Company’s EAP (Employee Assistance Program). A Review.
The Best Free Benefit No One Uses
When I was feeling overwhelmed, a colleague quietly suggested I look into our company’s EAP. I had always ignored those emails. I discovered our plan offered eight free, confidential therapy sessions per year. I made a call, and they connected me with a local therapist within a week. Those eight free sessions were a crucial starting point that helped me stabilize before I transitioned to a longer-term therapist. It was a completely free, high-quality resource I never knew I had. It’s the most valuable and underutilized employee benefit on the planet.
The Difference Between “Venting” and “Processing.”
One Spins the Wheels, the Other Moves the Car Forward
I used to think venting to my friends was the same as processing my feelings. My therapist showed me the difference. Venting is just dumping out your anger and frustration; it makes you feel better for a moment but doesn’t solve anything. It’s like spinning your wheels in the mud. Processing, on the other hand, is about exploring the “why” behind the feeling. It’s about connecting it to past experiences and identifying patterns. Venting keeps you stuck. Processing is what actually gets the car moving forward.
How Therapy Made Me a Better Parent and Spouse.
I Stopped Repeating a Script I Didn’t Write
I found myself yelling at my kids in the exact same way my father used to yell at me. I was repeating a script I didn’t even write. Therapy helped me become aware of these inherited patterns. By understanding my own childhood wounds, I could stop unconsciously passing them on to my family. I learned how to respond to my kids instead of reacting. It made me a calmer, more present parent and a more empathetic spouse. The work I did on myself was the greatest gift I ever gave to them.
The Day I Told My Therapist My Darkest Secret.
The Thing I Thought Would Make Her Judge Me
There was a secret I had held onto for 20 years, something I was deeply ashamed of. I was terrified to tell my therapist, convinced she would be horrified or would judge me. For weeks, I danced around it. Finally, my heart pounding, I confessed. After I finished, she was silent for a moment, and then she looked at me with incredible kindness and said, “Thank you for trusting me with that. That must have been a heavy burden to carry alone for so long.” In that moment, the shame just… evaporated.
The “A-Ha!” Moment When You Connect a Past Event to a Present Behavior.
It’s Like Finding the Missing Piece of a Puzzle
I’ve always had a strange, intense aversion to asking for help. In therapy, we were talking about my childhood. I casually mentioned that when I was seven, I asked my dad for help with a school project, and he got angry and said, “Figure it out yourself. Don’t be helpless.” Suddenly, the puzzle pieces clicked into place. My therapist and I both had an “a-ha!” moment. My entire adult pattern of refusing to ask for help was born in that one, seemingly small, childhood event. Connecting the past to the present was the key to unlocking the behavior.
Group Therapy: The Power of Knowing You’re Not Alone.
Seven Strangers Became My Lifeline
I was hesitant about group therapy. Why would I share my problems with a bunch of strangers? But in that group, for the first time, I wasn’t the “only one.” When I shared my struggles with anxiety, seven other heads nodded in recognition. When someone else shared a story that mirrored my own, I felt a profound sense of connection. The group became a living, breathing reminder that my struggles were part of the human condition. The collective wisdom and support in that room was more powerful than I ever could have imagined.
How to “Shop” for a Therapist Like You’re Shopping for a Car.
You’re Allowed to Look Under the Hood
My mechanic friend gave me this advice: “You wouldn’t buy the first car you test drive. You need to shop for a therapist the same way.” I made free 15-minute consultation calls with three different therapists. I “test drove” them by asking about their approach, their experience with my specific issues, and what a typical session looks like. One felt too clinical, another too passive. The third one felt just right. It’s a professional service, and you are the consumer. It’s okay to shop around to find the right model for you.
The Physical Feeling of Releasing a Trapped Emotion in Therapy.
The Sob I Didn’t Know I Was Holding In
I was talking about a seemingly minor event from my past when, out of nowhere, my chest got tight and my eyes welled up. My therapist encouraged me to stay with the feeling. Suddenly, I was sobbing. It was a deep, guttural sob that felt like it came from my soul. It lasted for about two minutes. Afterwards, I felt strangely light, like a pressure valve had been released. I realized I had been holding that trapped emotion in my body for decades. The release wasn’t just mental; it was profoundly physical.
My Therapist’s Book Recommendations That Actually Helped.
My Bibliotherapy Prescription
My therapist often recommended books. Not just generic self-help, but specific books tailored to our work. When we were discussing boundaries, she recommended “Set Boundaries, Find Peace.” When we were working on self-compassion, she suggested Kristen Neff’s work. These books became my “therapy homework.” They reinforced the concepts we discussed in our sessions and gave me a framework to use in my daily life. It was like having a portable version of my therapist available to me 24/7. Her library became an extension of her office.
The Discomfort of Being Challenged by a Good Therapist.
The “Ouch, She’s Right” Moment
I was complaining about my boss for the tenth time when my therapist stopped me and said, “It sounds like you feel powerless in that situation. I wonder if this pattern of feeling like a victim shows up in other areas of your life.” It stung. My first reaction was defensiveness. But as I sat with it, I had that “ouch, she’s right” feeling. A good therapist isn’t there to just validate you. They’re there to hold up a mirror and gently challenge the stories you tell yourself. The most uncomfortable moments are often the most productive.
How I Use a “Therapy Journal” to Track My Progress.
A Notebook to Connect the Dots
After each therapy session, I take ten minutes in my car to jot down my key takeaways in a dedicated journal. What was the main theme? Was there an “a-ha” moment? What was my “homework”? This practice has been invaluable. Before my next session, I can review my notes and see the patterns emerging over time. It helps me connect the dots between sessions and track my own progress. When I feel stuck, I can look back a few months and see just how far I’ve actually come.
The Unspoken Things Between a Client and a Therapist.
What You’re Not Saying Is Louder Than What You Are
For weeks, I avoided talking about my relationship with money, even though it was a huge source of my anxiety. My therapist noticed. She said, “I’ve noticed that we talk about your career and your family, but we haven’t touched on your finances. I’m just curious about that.” She was listening to the silence. She understood that what a client doesn’t talk about is often where the most important work lies. Her ability to hear the unspoken things is what makes her so good at her job.
The Ethics of Your Therapist: What They Can and Cannot Do.
The Guardrails of a Professional Relationship
My friend was telling me her therapist had asked to borrow a book from her. It seemed harmless, but it felt weird. I learned that therapists have a strict code of ethics for a reason. They cannot have “dual relationships” with clients (like being their friend or business partner). They cannot accept expensive gifts. These rules aren’t arbitrary; they exist to keep the relationship safe, professional, and focused solely on the client’s well-being. Those professional guardrails are what make the therapeutic relationship so unique and powerful.
How Long Does Therapy Take? A Realistic Timeline.
It’s Not a Quick Fix, It’s a Long Walk
When I started therapy, I wanted a timeline. “How many sessions until I’m fixed?” I asked. My therapist smiled and said, “Therapy isn’t a course of antibiotics; it’s more like personal training at the gym. Some people come for a few months to solve a specific problem. Others stay for years because they value the ongoing maintenance and growth.” It took me a while to accept, but she was right. It wasn’t a quick fix. It was a long, valuable walk with a trusted guide.
The Alternative Therapies I Tried (Somatic, Art, etc.).
When Talking Isn’t Enough
Talk therapy was helpful, but I still felt like my anxiety was “stuck” in my body. My therapist recommended I try somatic therapy, which focuses on physical sensations. In one session, instead of talking about my anxiety, the therapist had me just notice where I felt it in my body and breathe into that spot. It was a completely different approach that helped me release tension I didn’t even know I was holding. It taught me that sometimes, you can’t just talk your way out of a feeling; you have to feel your way out of it.
The Moment My Husband Agreed to Go to Therapy With Me.
His “Fine” Was the Sound of a Door Opening
I had been asking my husband to go to couples counseling for a year. He always refused, saying, “I don’t need to pay someone to listen to our problems.” I finally gave up asking. Then one night, after a particularly bad but quiet argument, I just said, “I’m making an appointment for myself. I would love for you to come with me, but I’m going either way.” The next day he walked into the kitchen and just said, “Fine. I’ll go.” That single, resentful-sounding “fine” was the most beautiful word I had ever heard.
How to “Sell” Therapy to a Skeptical Man.
Frame It as a Strategic Advantage
My coworker was trying to convince her husband to see a therapist for his work stress. He scoffed at the idea. She changed her pitch. She stopped using words like “feelings” and “healing.” Instead, she framed it as performance coaching. She said, “Top athletes have coaches to optimize their physical performance. This is like having a coach to optimize your mental performance and strategic thinking at work.” That shift in language—from touchy-feely to strategic advantage—was what finally got him interested.
The Best Investment I Made in My 40s Was in My Mental Health.
The ROI Was Immeasurable
In my forties, I spent money on a lot of things: home renovations, vacations, a nicer car. But the single best investment I made was the roughly $7,000 I spent on two years of weekly therapy. That investment paid dividends in every area of my life. It improved my marriage, it made me a better father, and it gave me the clarity to make a career change that ultimately increased my income. The return on investment wasn’t just financial; it was a profound improvement in my entire quality of life.
The Day I “Graduated” From Therapy.
I Had the Tools, It Was Time to Use Them
After about three years, I started to feel like I was coming to my weekly therapy sessions to just… chat with my therapist. The crises were over. I was managing my life with the tools she had given me. One day, she said to me, “It feels like you’ve learned what you came here to learn. What do you think about spacing our sessions out, or even taking a break?” It was scary, but she was right. I had “graduated.” I left knowing her door was always open, but that it was time to test my wings on my own.
A “Thank You” Letter to My Therapist.
For Holding Up the Mirror and Holding the Hope
Dear Therapist, I’m writing this because I’ll probably never say it correctly in person. Thank you. Thank you for holding up a mirror to my self-defeating patterns with a gentle but firm hand. Thank you for sitting with me in my darkest moments without flinching. Thank you for holding onto hope for me when I had none for myself. You didn’t give me the answers; you helped me find my own. You didn’t fix me; you helped me realize I was never broken. You’ve given me a gift that will last a lifetime.