Now I get to say "My therapist said..."

I have long since learned that giving birth did not instantly transform me into a perfect person.  A bit of bummer, yes.  I'd had such high hopes that motherhood would automatically erase all my weaknesses.  I soon realized that, imperfect mortal that I am, no matter how hard I try, I am doomed to screw up my kids.  Instead of putting all of my energy into the futile pursuit of perfection (mine and my children's), I think my resources are better spent teaching my kids to deal with their screwed up selves.  

This why I often joke that what matters not is that I raise children who won't need therapy; what matters is that I teach them to go get therapy when they need it.  (Technically, my sister-in-law gets credit for pointing this out.)

Well, time to start practicing what I preach:  This week I had my very own first therapy session! 

Despite a bout of post-partum depression and a one-time meeting with a psychiatrist in college (long story), this therapy thing is totally new.  And like all new experiences, very interesting.

After just one session, here are some things I liked about therapy:

1. The workbook.  I'm getting a workbook.  As I do the homework (yes, there's homework, I can't wait), I will discover the names for all the things that are wrong with me.  That should be interesting.  My mom suggested we might pass the workbook around the whole family to find out what's wrong with everybody.  Now that's a family reunion idea!
2. I am excited at the prospect of rewiring my brain.  My brain is in desperate need of some rewiring.  Maybe a complete renovation.
3. This person is paid to listen to me.  That was weird.  I had a hard time getting used to that.  I am more comfortable asking other people about themselves.  But, at some level, we all like to talk about ourselves, myself included (check out how often I post), so this could be a good thing.  I'm not sure I talked enough to get my money's worth the first time.  Actually, the military is picking up the tab.  Next time I promise to talk more to get your money's worth.
4. My therapist told me I am smart. 
5. The very, very best thing about going to therapy is that I can say in everyday conversation with people, "My therapist said..."  I have already used that phrase several times in conversation with my husband.  I feel like the annoying character in a movie.  It's fun.  

Things that I didn't like about my first session of therapy:

As soon as my therapist found out I was "charismatic LDS," she automatically assumed--

1. My husband wants to have seven children and I don't and all my problems stem from this.  (WRONG!!)
2. My mother enjoyed every second of raising small children and thinks I should too and all my problems stem from this (WRONG, again!!)
3. My college didn't serve any caffeinated beverages on campus and while that has nothing to do with my problems, speaking of caffeine, I should probably cut back on the diet Coke.  (WRONG...oh, wait, she was right about that one.  Completely.)

But I think I did a pretty good job of clearing up some of her misconceptions about me and my way of life.  (It might be good for her to know me.)  And I promised to do number 3.