Below is a letter and some poetry I wrote to my therapist Susan. I wanted to share it here because this page is so much of who I am, but I would not be who I am today without Susan. She is the finest therapist and human being I have ever met. When I reached out for help I was lucky enough that Susan reached back. She is usually not more than a phone call away, and most times just a few minute talk with her snaps me back into a better mood. She was not the first therapist I went to, although I wish she were since I could possibly have gotten healthier faster, but everything happens for a reason they say. Susan has instilled the beginnings of some self-confidence and self esteem something has has eluded me up until now. God I still have a long way to go but I'm on the right path now instead of not on the path at all.
Thank god I
found a therapist who cares so much about me. You want me to be all
that I am capable of being. You fill me with confidence, give me all the
support I need and show a genuine interest in what I am doing. You always
see my good qualities even when I don't think I have any. You have let
me know that no matter what, I can turn to you and you will be there.
If I try something and fail your there to comfort me. If I try something
and succeed your there for support and to let me know I did good.
You always make me feel like there is no reason why I can't succeed at
whatever I attempt which in turn encourages me to try harder. You make
me feel good by really believing in me, and you want me to strive for the
best life I can make for myself. I think it's really a miracle that
especially in these times when there are so many malpractice suits and
people becoming therapists only for profit, I was truly lucky enough
to find you. I know in therapy I need to do the work not you,
and I know that if I get healthier it's because I did the work, but
with out your confidence in me, and without your guidance I truly
believe I would not be where I am today. I know I have a lot more
work to do, but I also can now see where I came from and It's almost like
I'm a different person. I have to admit sometimes it scares the hell
out of me that you know me so well, but I believe that without knowing
me so well you would not have been as effective in helping me. I was reaching
out for someone and you were that person. I know that traditional
therapy is not something you practice, at least with me and for that
I am going to be forever grateful. We have broken all the so called
rules but look what has happened. I can honestly and with conviction say
I am better. You have been telling me for a while now that I am better
but now I do feel I am better. I hope I have not crossed over that imaginary
boundary between therapist and patient (any more than usual) with this
letter but I felt the need to put what I felt into words. You will
always have a special place in my life and in my heart. Since I've
crossed over every boundary already I might as well do it again by telling
you that if there is anything I mean anything I can ever do for
you please please ask. I feel a need to give back to
you, for you've given my life back to me. I really do appreciate
everything you have done for me….
With much Love, Respect
and Admiration:
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