10/28/2021
I’ve just finished my very last session in this space… And my heart is really feeling it. So much has happened in this room. So much bravery, so much vulnerability. So much emotion. So much release…. So much healing.
If you’ve never been to therapy… This is the work. (Of the client, not the therapist.) And I’ll tell you a secret: It’s this kind of work that makes all the difference between those who benefit greatly from the process, and those who don’t. The clients truly do get all the credit. And as a therapist, I’ve been extremely privileged to bear witness again and again to unbelievably courageous people who are doing the work.
In solo practice, a therapist’s job is somewhat unique in that there is no one with whom to share the memories of the beautiful humans whose stories have filled your heart. Goodbyes are hard, and I’ve had the honor of sharing this space with so many of you for an hour a week, for the better part of two years. If you have been here with me, please know that your experiences have been sewn deeply into my heart; know that I will carry you with me; know that your inspiration will continue to move me. Know that your story matters, that you matter, and that you will not be forgotten.
A repeated theme throughout termination was a realization from many clients that while I’ve been privileged to know the depths of your stories, you know very little (if any) of mine. Of course, this is by design, and it is truly for your benefit…. But walking out the door today, perhaps my biggest hope about the time we’ve had together, is that you really have always known everything about me that you needed to…. which is that I heard you, I saw you, and I truly do care about you.
“Don’t you know you already have wings…? Now is your time to fly.”
In Gratitude (Always),
Ashley
❤️🦋
