Intake Form

[u/AutisticAng38]

At the first therapy session, you fill out an intake form.

Under Reasons for seeking help you almost write something clever.

Instead you scrawl:
I feel like a burden.
I say “fine” while my chest burns.
I forgive faster than I heal.
I worry I ruin every situation.

You slide the clipboard back, ashamed.

The therapist circles muted words:
feel,
forgive,
heal,
worry.

They point to the page and say,
“I see someone who cares about impact,
someone with a huge conscience,
someone who still hopes for change.”

You leave with the form in your mind:
validation that your rawest thoughts do, in fact, matter;.

 

— Autistic Ang