When I could no longer afford to see Carol or Jeff, I reached out to my psychiatrist for help. She told me about Julie and thought we'd be a good fit. She worked in the same office, took Medicare and was an LCSW. I like LCSW's. Good, she's licensed and trained well.
Through the help of Carol and Jeff, I was able to stop drinking. I was self-injury free. The last day I drank and self-injured was July 9, 2010. And when I say "self-injured" I mean I carved up my body. Arms, shoulders, breasts, ribs, stomach and further down. Yes, there, too.
If I had to describe Julie in one word, it would be wise. She encouraged deep talk and utilizing the 45 minute session. She doesn't do hugs. I'll be honest with you. I don't remember what we worked on. It's just one of those things.
What I do know is I was changed for the better. I did what she told me to do, listened intently to what she was saying and dug down as far as I could. Then, one year later, came her announcement.
"I'm leaving. This is our last session." And with that, we were done. (I wouldn't advise that when working with someone with Borderline Personality Disorder).
I remember the Holy Spirit telling me not to get too attached to Julie when we first starting meeting. I listened so the shock wasn't an emotional shock. It was one of those, "Really?" shocks. Fortunately, there was enough time so I could write her a kind note wishing her all the best.
What Julie and I worked on sustained my well-being. Looking back, I can tell you we laughed a lot. I mean we really whooped it up! So much so that my psychiatrist (whose office shared a wall with Julie's), would come out when I was leaving to ask us what we were doing in there! Hahaha. We were having, "Too much fun and she wanted to join in!"
It was a good time. A time of rest from my darkest issues. A time where I could just be.
Thank you, Julie! I have a warm spot in my heart for you.
Click here to watch a snippet by Joel Osteen on laughter
