14 Comments
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Kelly Flanagan's avatar

Achingly gorgeous. Thank you, Teyani.

As a trained therapist I was struck by your boundary with the angry client. It occurred to me somewhere along the way that therapists are trained in codependency and that doesn't help people become healthy. I love that you modeled healthy boundaries.

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Thank you for these words. It means something much coming from you.

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Lisa M's avatar

I see you, T. Sending the gentlest of hugs your way.

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Thank you dear Lisa.

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Joshua Doležal's avatar

I was thinking of you today while reading a memoir about complex PTSD, "What My Bones Know." Your body knows quite a lot, too, and I know it's been hurting for some time. Holding that space with you by reading is one thing I can do, small as it is. Sending many good thoughts your way.

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

It’s far from a small thing, Josh. It feels incredible to be seen and witnessed as I walk thru this time. Complex PTSD is an experience unto itself. I’d be glad to talk about it more deeply with you if it would help.

Thank you for seeing and witnessing my process.

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Don Boivin's avatar

I read every word of your essay slowly and attentively. I hope it helps in some small way. I wish you the best, Teyani.

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Thank you, and yes. Being seen and understood resonates deeply. Thank you Don

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Kimberly Warner's avatar

Sitting in the heaviness with you friend. “No pity, no ‘oh poor you’s’, no advice, no new skills to try. None of that. Please. Instead, I wonder if you would consider just sitting here with me for a time?”

The habitual responses, the trauma, they so want us to justify, find the silver lining, give it a different spin. I value your willingness and courage to not go anywhere with the feelings and trust they’ll do their alchemy on you.

Shy Guy Meets the Buddha wrote on a similar theme this week, the funny idea we have that “therapists should always be happy” or “enlightened/awake people never feel frustrated, heavy, angry, and on and on.” When the truth is a lot simpler. We still feel it all, we just allow those feelings to be there, as they are. 🙏

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Beautifully said Kimberly. We still feel it. Thank you for really seeing me.

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Sarah Bush's avatar

I am here. Standing on my inner land, sitting with you. Truly.

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Thank you friend. I needed to tell the raw truth today. I’m grateful for the company.

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Sarah Bush's avatar

Some days are harder than others. And sometimes, we just can't make them easier. I'm sorry this is one of those days.

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Dec 12
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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Thank you Kristin. XO

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