I may be a passionate advocate for mental health now, but if you took a trip back five years, you would find a very different me. Back then, I believed therapy was a remedy for those who were fundamentally broken—and I thought I was beyond repair. Whether it was the pandemic or my mother’s close call with death in 2019, I found myself in early January 2021, sitting in my basement, preparing for my first-ever virtual therapy session.
Fast forward a year, and I was still with the same therapist. Most days, it felt like we were making minimal progress. I knew I had a lot to work through—dealing with depression, anxiety, and CPTSD, along with my lifelong struggle with body acceptance, which had haunted me since I was 12.
For most of my life, I’ve battled body dysmorphia and unhealthy eating behaviors. My therapist was aware of this, as I had shared those details with her. I can only assume that therapists are trained to avoid labeling their clients as “crazy.” Unfortunately, she crossed that line.
During one session, while discussing my eating habits, I finally felt ready to be vulnerable. I had let my guard down, feeling safe to express myself without judgment. And then, her next six words shattered that sense of safety: “Yeah. That does sound kind of crazy.”
In an instant, I felt my walls go back up. Crazy? Was she saying I was crazy? So much for the “safe space” she had promised. I understand that she likely didn’t intend to hurt me, but the stinging impact of her words was undeniable. I already struggle to extend compassion to myself, and hearing that from someone I turn to for help made it clear: I needed a change.
Upon reflecting on what truly upset me, I realized it was less about her use of the word “crazy” and more about a breach of trust and poor communication. Asking for help can be daunting; it’s one of the boldest things a person can do. Just like any relationship, whether it be a friendship, romantic involvement, or professional partnership, the initial attempt may not always lead to the desired connection.
Ironically, my therapist had often emphasized the importance of self-compassion. It was this very advice that empowered me to make the decision to move on. I deserve to feel at ease during therapy and to be my authentic self without hesitation—and so do you.
So, I’m off to find a new therapist. Maybe this next one will be the right fit, and if not, I’ll keep searching. For those interested in other related topics, check out this article for additional insights, and for further reading on safe practices, this source is quite informative. If you’re exploring options for pregnancy and home insemination, this page offers excellent resources.
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Summary
This article discusses the author’s decision to end her therapy relationship after feeling betrayed by her therapist’s insensitive remarks. Emphasizing the importance of finding a safe and compassionate therapy space, it encourages readers to seek supportive environments where they can express their true selves.