I am codependent person and a sex and love addict. I came to understand that several of my negative thoughts and behaviors were caught up in an addictive cycle. With the guidance of a therapist , I ventured into a space of self-discovery.
#JOE GAY MASSAGE THERAPIST HAWAII HOW TO#
I had no earthly idea how to genuinely love myself. I hit bottom and realized that I didn’t love myself. The shame told me “I am not good enough ”, “I don’t deserve to be loved”, “and I will be a failure in this business”. As I tried to fight it so I could stay present for my clients, I sunk into an abyss of shame. This was a deeply rooted feeling that I couldn’t shake. And they did…Īs my clients were showing up and my practice was starting to take off, I felt this nagging sensation buried deep inside. I couldn’t offer much reassurance, but I could offer one thing: I would be present as long as they showed up and did the work. My clients looked to me for education, guidance, and reassurance that life wouldn’t always be so cruel. I was not only a therapist but a teacher. Trying to be present for other people’s issues was the most challenging effort of my life. It was a challenge that I wanted to overcome. I wanted to help heal others of heartache, pain, grief, regret, shame and guilt. I set up shop in Seattle and attempted to do the best work I could possibly do. This is not how I wanted to live my life.Īt 26, I set out on a journey to help others as a licensed psychotherapist. Without love, we are left with heartache, pain, grief, regret, shame and guilt. Every human being comes into the world wanting to be loved.