I always assumed that counselors were for “people who really have problems”. That was until I hit rock bottom emotionally… and then had my life changed as a result of counseling.

I think everyone on planet earth could use a counselor – and, in a sense, I think that’s what close friends and family become. They just don’t get paid well.

Growing up in church, I would hear the famous scripture verse, “…the truth will set you free”. And it always made me panic. To me, that verse implied that because I never planned to tell anyone my awful, dirty, dark secret, I would be guaranteed to remain in my own prison of secrecy and fear forever. No hope, no forgiveness, no freedom.

I think I was 9 years old when it happened, maybe 10. When I tell you that nobody knows about this, trust me, nobody knows.

I haven’t talked to anyone in my family, none of my friends. The only reason I’m talking now is because of your Ignite Boise speech. To just know that there’s someone now that knows anything, feels better. I haven’t even told you what occurred, but somehow I feel like it’s made a difference in my life. When I knew I had someone, even loosely connected to me, it made an immediate difference in my life. I believe there are obvious reasons to talk about things. You don’t want them chewing you up inside. You don’t want to have to internalize all your feelings. You want someone to at least empathize with you. You want to feel like you’re not alone.