My journey of becoming a therapist starts in high school. I spent my high school years in Henan, a populous province with scarce educational resources in China, known for its intense college entrance exam competition. At that time, a sudden family crisis and the pressure from my competitive study class gradually overwhelmed me. It felt as though I had been pushed off a cliff, desperately clinging to the edge yet inevitably sliding down. The sympathy and patience of those around me had their limits. Once their allotted time for my grief had expired, I was expected to immediately return to my role as a "good student" and fulfill my "duties as a student." However, the most terrifying aspect was not the external harshness, but the voice I had internalized: "Why can everyone else do it, but not me?" I was ill, yet instead of resting, I berated myself for not being able to run as fast or perform as well as others.

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Harsh self-criticism did not help get my life back on track. Depression and anxiety entwined around me like vines, making it hard to breathe. Fortunately, I met my counselor. Initially skeptical that merely talking to someone could help, she made me profoundly aware of the power of being seen, heard, and affirmed. For the first time, someone came down and sat next to me, assured me that none of it was my fault, and helped me heal gradually. With her support, I slowly emerged from the darkness, revitalized with more vigor and resilience. It was a transformative experience that words can hardly describe. I saw the "self" deep within me that had been neglected. I came to her side, listened to her, understood her, and loved her unconditionally. I embraced my "self"—the self that wasn't good enough, hardworking enough, or pretty enough. As I patiently supported myself, change naturally occurred: I became stronger, more accepting, more determined, more free, and happier.

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This journey led me to pursue a career as a psychological counselor, allowing me to understand my clients' experiences in therapy in a deep and personal way. Over the past few years, I have worked as a mental health hotline operator and a peer counselor at a university mental health center and even returned to my high school to give mental health talks and provide short-term free counseling services to my juniors. I have listened to many stories, traumas, and pains. Many people have thanked me for my listening and support at the end of our sessions, telling me, "I feel much better after talking to you." I am both happy and grateful for this. I hope to pass on the warmth and help my counselor once gave me, and I wish to make the world a little less painful because of my presence. On the path of healing and caring for oneself, I might have traveled a bit farther than you. This path is not easy, but I am privileged to walk it with you.