Dear Therapist,
I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on the journey we’ve shared over the years, and I felt the need to express my deep gratitude for all you’ve done for me. Our work together has been transformative, and while words may never fully capture the depth of my appreciation, I want to try.
When I first came to see you, I was lost. Motherhood had turned into a never-ending balancing act. As a parent to two neurodiverse children with various support needs, I was overwhelmed by therapies, doctor appointments, meltdowns, and the constant demands of raising kids whose brains and bodies worked differently. Somewhere along the way, I lost sight of who I was. It didn’t happen suddenly, but inch by inch, and I began to feel like the woman I used to be was slipping away. I was stretched paper thin, unsure of how to meet anyone’s needs, least of all my own. The weight of self-doubt and anxiety became too much, and I wasn’t sure how much longer I could keep going.
Then, I walked into your office. I didn’t expect much, honestly. By that point, I had become so wrapped up in simply surviving that I didn’t believe anyone could help me find myself again. But from the moment you spoke, something shifted. You shared a vulnerable moment, saying that if I heard you parent at home, I wouldn’t want you as a therapist. It caught me off guard. Here was someone, a professional, admitting imperfection, and in that simple moment, I felt seen. For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t expected to have it all together.
Our work together has been more than just therapy; it’s been a lifeline. From the beginning, you’ve helped me navigate the overwhelming nature of neurodiverse parenting while also guiding me to understand myself better. It hasn’t been a smooth path, but you’ve always been there, offering a safe space to explore what it means to be both a mother and my own person. You’ve helped me see that my struggles don’t make me a failure and that the messiness of it all is just part of the process.
I’ve also learned that growth doesn’t happen all at once. It comes in small, quiet steps. Sometimes, those steps felt so incremental that I didn’t even notice them then. But looking back, I can see how those inches have turned into miles. The days when I set a boundary, learned to take a break without guilt, or managed a tough situation with more patience than I thought I had were moments of growth. You’ve taught me to honor these small victories, to understand that they are the foundation of real progress.
And when I stumbled, you were always there, gently reminding me that growth happens at its own pace. Some days are harder than others, but that’s okay. Through it all, you’ve cheered me on, celebrating my growth, even when I felt like I wasn’t making any. Your encouragement has helped me believe in myself, even when doubt began to creep in.
In many ways, our work together has felt sacred. While therapy is, by nature, transactional, it’s never felt like just a service. It’s been a partnership where I show up, and you do, too, but also a relationship grounded in honesty, vulnerability, and mutual respect. You’ve created a space where I could show up fully without fear of judgment, for which I’ll always be grateful. You’ve helped me grow not just by teaching me how to navigate the world of neurodivergence but also by helping me rediscover the woman I thought I had lost.
Looking back, I realize that the path wasn’t linear and wasn’t always easy. But in those small moments of progress, I’ve learned that I am enough. And as I pause and reflect on all that we’ve done, I can’t help but feel a quiet sense of pride.
So, thank you. Thank you for showing up, for helping me see that growth happens inch by inch, and for believing in me every step of the way. I’m not the same person I was when I walked into your office, and I owe so much of that to you.
With all my gratitude,
Liz
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