I've been going to therapy since I was about 13 years old on and off. I have had a few different therapists throughout those 8 years. However, the most recent and the one that imprinted the most important information on me is the one I no longer have.

After seeing her for just over two years of my life, she has learned so much about me that most people don't know. She has really become someone I am able to depend on.

So this is for her; we may no longer be working together but that doesn't mean I won't still hold the values and lessons you have taught me any less than before.

Thank you:

1. Thank you for being there for me when I didn't have anyone else to talk to, and not being judgemental about what you heard.

2. Thank you for being one of the guiding lights when I was going through the worst of it all.

3. Thank you for understanding that I may have struggles and I may not be perfect, but you see me as a strong human.

4. Thank you for constantly encouraging me to do my best in all situations and to never sell myself short.

5. Thank you for helping me realize my own self-worth and grow as an individual. That is so much more important than anything else.

6. Thank you for getting me to understand that I am much braver than I once saw myself.

7. Thank you for letting me know that whoever I see in the mirror is just a reflection of my true self.

8. Thank you for being my cheerleader when no one else was, on this journey called life.

9. Thank you for supporting me in the hardest part of my life... the depressive episodes and the changes I had to overcome.

10. Thank you for inspiring me to do all of the things I have ever dreamt of and for never giving up on me, even when you could have.

11. Thank you for putting up with all of the endless bullshit I told you and for not seeing me as anything less than a struggling person.

Though we only met twice a month it was nice knowing that I always had someone to tell things to, to catch up with, and to lend a tender heart and thoughtful ear when times were hard for me. You asked me what endings are like for me, and honestly, they are very bittersweet.

Endings mean that I am giving up something, losing someone, moving forward in life and all of those things scare the shit out of me. Having someone in your life for a long time, even if it was only two years, can feel like an eternity when I finally have to rip the band-aid off and say goodbye. I still have a lot to learn about this life, about myself, about my depression and anxiety and about so so so many more things but you have helped me.

You have helped me manage all of this up until now. It is sad that this is goodbye, I feel as though I have lost a small chunk of myself that has helped mend some of my torn heart. Thank you for being you and for helping me on this journey to finding myself and helping me find ways to cope with all of the things going on around me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a great person, I hope you know that.

xx

MacKenzie