Therapy took me a while to embrace, but now, after a few years and different therapists, I can confidently say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I hesitated to seek help because I feared being labeled “crazy” and didn’t realize I was struggling with the challenges of being a new mom. I thought I was handling everything well, but I was merely surviving.
Fast forward to the present—I’m currently seeing a new therapist who is amazing. Finding the right therapist as an adult isn’t always easy, but when you do, it feels like a weight has been lifted. I’m using therapy as a tool to help me navigate my current situation, which is what brings me to write this.
My son, Asher, is truly wonderful. However, we’ve encountered a few bumps in the road, and I couldn’t quite put my finger on what was going on. I’ve met other parents whose children have certain diagnoses and asked them questions, hoping to find language to describe the feelings I couldn’t identify. We had some similarities that led us to test for autism a few years ago, but the evaluation didn’t yield any concrete answers. While I was relieved, I still needed clarity because we needed tools to move forward.
captured words from the day before from our new church home.
Now that Asher is homeschooled and attends a learning pod during the week, I work closely with his teacher. I don’t shy away from admitting that I don’t know everything, which has helped me to be more open and honest with myself. I believe this has made me a better mom. Recently, while discussing my concerns with his teacher, she mentioned play therapy. I had done food therapy before and was familiar with physical, occupational, and behavioral therapy, but I had never heard of play therapy. She also recommended a natural supplement that another mom had suggested for similar concerns—I ordered it from Amazon as quickly as I could! After discussing my concerns and the idea of play therapy with his primary doctor, he referred us to a counselor in his practice. Fortunately, she had an opening just a few days later. Discovering that this service was covered by our insurance was a blessing. I also consulted with his teacher for any observations she could share. When I read her assessment, I couldn’t hold back my tears. Despite knowing I wasn’t overreacting, it was validating to confirm that I was picking up on something important. It felt like God had placed people in our lives to help us navigate these challenges long before we even realized we needed them.
As we embark on this new journey, I’m uncertain about what lies ahead, which would typically fill me with anxiety. However, the ease I feel as I write this and reflect on the possibilities gives me a sense of hope. I hope that if you find yourself in a similar situation, you feel that as well. There are options and opportunities available; you may cry sometimes, but keep those tissues handy.
Your perspective—grounded in hope and openness—makes all the difference. I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
