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Sybil is my therapist.
I’m a huge proponent of therapy.
It’s true that there’s a stigma associated with it, but quite frankly, I think everyone can use a little head-shrinking. Every time I have a friend going through a difficult time, I always say ‘you need a Sybil.” Not because I don’t want to hear them out, but because I know the value of having an unbiased person in your corner. Therapy is nothing to be ashamed of; in fact, I think the people who seek it are probably the most courageous people on the face of the planet. Like purple-heart courageous, because it takes a brave person to walk into the office of a professional that they don’t know well, spilling their heart with every step. I’ve spilled my heart a lot lately and Sybil gets it even when I don’t. The move to North Carolina has brought up quite a few old wounds—stuff I thought I had dealt with, which has led me down a very narrow, rocky path. Uncertain times are never comfortable experiences and that’s the importance of having someone who can help you wade through all the rip-current-deep-waters that you tread.
The man I loved (love) is a very prideful man.
“It’s not up to me to give you the answers. But the reason that we get “questions” rather than answers in counseling is because they aren’t there to clear the path for us. They are there to guide only. And the reason we do all the talking is because a thought is very different than a spoken word. We can “think” something all day long, but until “say” it and “hear” ourselves say it, it has no “weight” so to speak. Speaking our thoughts gives our words power. And the power of our spoken words puts us on the path we are meant to be on. Do you sometimes need a GPS? Sure. And that is where your therapist comes in–to lead you where you are supposed to go. It takes a lot of courage to go inward and explore our true selves because the truth ain’t always a pretty thing. I care about you. I believe in you. And I know you can do this. Be brave enough, honey, to clear the paths. There’s something very beautiful about allowing ourselves to be completely broken open. It’s scary and painful, yes, but trusting the process leads us to more wholeness–peace from broken, shattered, splintery pieces. You’re welcome.”
Therapy isn’t a walk in the park. In fact, it’s far from it.
Everybody needs a Sybil.

I completely agree! Nothing wrong with some outside insight!
Thank you Patty! Sybil’s often see things in a light that we cannot! Please drop in anytime! Thanks for commenting!
“This post, K. This is what will make you an exceptional therapist someday. Only those who have been there can empathize with those who are there.
“Thank you, Michael. Hope you’re doing well! XoXo!”
“This is a great post! I’m happy that you have found a way to deal with all that you have been going through and I wish for you many blessings to come Sybil got your back! Your going to be just fine in all that you do!
“LaToya, you just made my day! Thank you so much for taking the time to read this piece about the benefits of therapy. I don’t know where I would be without Sybil and yes you’re right, she definitely has my back! Thank you for the well wishes and please come visit me here on TMS anytime! I welcome your thoughts!”
“Great post! It’s so important to remove the stigma around therapy (or getting help with healing in general). It’s such a healthy process. Thank you for being so transparent because it makes a difference for so many.
“Hi Tanya! Great to see you here! I think counseling is a scary thing for most…people can’t relate sometimes to telling a stranger how they feel about things…but if they would just do it, they would gain so much unbiased support. And transparency, in my world, is a must. I’ve gotta keep it real or I feel like I’m not honoring myself. Thanks for commenting! Hope to see you again soon!”
“Wow, this was really good. Thank you for sharing that, and definitely I agree everybody needs a Sybil. You’re so courageous!”
“Melissa!! I am so glad to see you on Truly Madly Sassy! Courageous, I don’t know about that…I just do it scared like everyone else does, but I would be completely lost without Sybil. She has always been my one constant when life gets rough! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment! Looking forward to chatting with you again!”
“Hello, this post, what a pleasure to read. Of course the title drew me in right away. Lol. I’ve been in some sort of therapy since 2002. When I first experienced depression and I can’t agree with you more. Everyone needs a Sybil. I loved this post because it’s so honest and forward and bare bones. Yes it carries a stigma but who cares. If you need help, get it. I’m very open (now) about it. I wasn’t always. I’m much happier now because I don’t have to hide that part of myself. I am who I am and I’m proud. I need help and I’m proud and happy that I’m getting it. I also loved how well written it is. It’s honestly a pleasure to read. Thank you for sharing.”
“Thank you so much Yesenis! The pleasure is all mine. It’s readers like you who make the stigma of therapy even less of an issue by telling your story! Personally, I think everyone could use a little head shrinking if you ask me, but like you said, not everyone is open to it. Sharing your story on Truly Madly Sassy is much appreciated. Kudos to you for being so real! I hope to see you here again soon!”
i love the ending quote – i have used that several times. this is such a unique perspective!
“Thanks, Lauren, for commenting on TMS! If only we all knew just how powerful we are as human beings! Hope to see you here again!”
“thanks for writing this, and hopefully putting an end the the therapy stigma. Loved the article.”
Hi Chris! Thanks for taking the time to read it and comment on it. You’re so right about the stigma of counseling–it’s quite unfortunate. I know I would not be where I am today without it. Hope to see you again on TMS!
I finally got into therapy myself and I’m a much better man because of it.
“It definitely does change us, yes?! Good for you, Wes, good for you! Thanks for sharing.”
“Thank you for posting this. I got myself into therapy two years ago and I was ashamed to tell people because I didn’t want them to think I was unstable. Deciding to get some guidance from a person who had no ulterior motives has helped me see things much differently than I ever would have otherwise. I think different. I have a more positive outlook on life. And I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore. I really love your blog!
Kudos to you Anna Beth! I appreciate your comments. Hope you’ll keep coming back 🙂
Loved it!
“Thanks, Kimberly <3 You are one of my biggest cheerleaders and supporters. So honored to be your friend!!"
“Well said.
“Thanks, Monica. Miss you, friend. XoXo.”