It's been a year now since I've had my last session with you, which is crazy to think about. When you first met me, I was a shattered and broken 12-year-old who hated the thought of living.

Which to you, was utterly heartbreaking. The first thing you ever said to me was that you couldn't believe that someone that's so beautiful wanted to leave this world. I honestly thought you were insane for calling me beautiful.

Because I wasn't.

At our first session together, I remember that you asked me why chose to self-harm. Why exactly did I hate myself so much? After a few weeks, around the fourth or fifth session, you learned why. That's when the long road of recovery began.

Middle school was rough, very rough. I went through a dark road at that point of time, but it helped so much to let it out rather than hurting myself. Around the end of seventh grade to early eighth grade, my "Friend." started to get violent with me. He didn't have the best home life so he decided to take all of his anger out on me.

I came into a session one day with bruises all over my body and a look of terror in my eyes. I was afraid, actually downright terrified and in need of some serious help. So I told you everything, then you told me to go tell my mom. Which I did, then you told the principles, who got in contact with the police. Thank you.

I grew up a lot the past six years. When I got to high school, I began to finally grow out of my shell. Band became a HUGE outlet for my pain and I made so many friends who became my rock.

As time went by I was finally a senior in high school. I began to see you less and less often. Which was sad, but honestly remarkable. Our last session together was sad, yet reliving. You told me how proud you were of me, that I've come along way and you were so happy that I've finally found peace with my inner demons.

I wanted to thank you for being there to talk to and helping me get through the darkest points in my life. I've come a long way since seventh grade, and I'm so much happier now.

My advice to anyone who's reading this is to NEVER be afraid to seek help. There are so many resources and people out there who are willing to help you.

It's okay not to be okay. Just don't keep it all inside. It will get better, trust me.

To my therapist and all of the therapists out there... thank you for all that you do.

Sincerely, your successful patient.