I reluctantly went to a therapist at Thriveworks. I had a common misconception in my head that they'll just si...Read moret there on a yellow-lined, OfficeMax notepad while doodling and ask "how does that make you feel?" every couple of minutes. Which, for any person in the 21st century that has a brain, is infuriating. Lo and behold, this was my first impression at Thriveworks. I showed up and met with an old, white dude in his 60s or 70s that just sat in his chair, 'writing' in his notebook, and asking me how I felt. The beginning of the session started with him asking me "How are you?" My response, "I'm f***ing here so it can't be that great, can it?" Towards the end of that session he asked me about my relationship with my parents and it devolved into this completely Freudian based bullshit. The guy obviously hadn't kept up-to-date on his profession, and came off as ignorant, condescending, and just a general moron. I wish I could remember his name so you could avoid this buffoon at all costs. But I digress...
I cycled through three more therapists/counselors like this. I felt like they were idiots and not really listening or trying to help, but I needed an impartial third party to talk to while I was going through major life changes I'd never faced before so I stuck it out and kept giving it another shot.
Finally, I met with Kathleen. With her thick Boston accent, no bullshit demeanor, and most importantly, someone I could talk to on a similar intellectual playing field, I felt I had met my match. I'm a pretty brusque individual, and don't let a lot of people in. Kathleen tore down that wall like it was 1989 in Germany. She helped me face my issues head on, and change for the better in what was the most difficult and emotionally taxing time in my life.
Let me be clear on one thing: If you're looking for someone to hold your hand through your issues and just make you 'feel better', Kathleen is not your person. If that's what you want, go get a pet. Kathleen will ask pointed, challenging questions for you to internalize and come back to her with your thoughts. I left that office so many times and just sat on the steps smoking a cigarette trying to process my thoughts and emotions based on our session.
Kathleen is not afraid to call you out when you're being unreasonable. She'll relate to you and empathize with your issues; she's seen some shit in her day, that's for sure. I can count on one hand the number of times she asked me 'how does that make you feel?' in the almost two years I saw her. And when she did, it was an appropriate, empathetic, and serious question she was asking.
Kathleen really did help me when I felt nobody else could. She allowed me to get a fresh lease on life. If it wasn't for her, I'd probably be facedown in a gutter somewhere. Instead, I've moved to a city I've always wanted to be in, started a new job at a dream company, and have successfully cut out every toxic person in my life and only focus on positive relationships in my life. Of course, being the kind souled and humble individual she is, she would say that all of that positivity is my doing. But without her guidance and support, I couldn't have done it without her. I'm truly grateful to have had her as a positive light in my life, and will never forget the things she's taught me.
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