“I didn’t know then that what I needed was presence — of a particular kind.”

Yes, I relate to so much of what you’ve written here. I’ve only had 6 therapy sessions (since February this year) so I’m by no means experienced, but it’s already been hugely beneficial for me. There is something about the presence of my therapist, something that I didn’t know I needed, and a safe place to talk about trauma.

Only recently have I realised how much shame is a significant part of my psyche and all the ways it affects me every day.