The Doctor That Changed My Life

march 25 2013

By Maura Byrne | Founder of Made in His Image

In 2011 I completed my two-year journey of trauma therapy. When I left my last session I felt like Will in the movie Good Will Hunting. What do I do when face to face with the doctor who changed my life? What do I say? What words could there possibly be to describe the depth of my gratitude? At that moment, I realized I could never compose a string of words to describe my appreciation to my doctor, so I remained silent and spoke the deepest words from my heart by smiling and extending my right hand to shake his, something I had never done throughout our journey together. I always use to be so afraid to get physically close to men, even shaking hands use to be difficult.

I left his office and entered the elevator. As I descended, I was in awe that I had actually completed all of the sessions. You know that feeling you get when you have worked so hard to achieve something and then the final moment of completion arrives? That’s how it felt, coupled with countless other emotions.

As I got off the elevator I just stood there in shock. An impulse reaction took over, and I got back in the elevator. My index finger automatically pushed the button for the 5th floor. I knocked on his office door. He said, Come in. He stood up and with tears in my eyes I hugged him. Thank you for changing my life, I said.

I couldn’t believe I had been so vulnerable. Why did I do this? I did it because I deserve to live the rest of my life free from the shackles that abuse produces. I did it for Made in His Image, knowing that I could never launch a ministry without having dealt with my past. I did it for the women who are too afraid to seek help, to show them that it’s not their fault and that it’s okay to get help. I did it for my future husband and children, knowing that I could never fully love them without God’s healing and having dealt with the trauma.

My future children were always in the forefront of my mind. I offered every session for them, in the hopes that they will experience the depths of the Father’s love. When the pain slapped me across the face and I didn’t think I would ever finish, I thought of them. I imagined what their faces might look like and all that I would teach them about their dignity as a child of God created in the image and likeness of the Father. With God’s grace I crossed the finish line and it was breathtaking!

I grew in my relationship with the Father, as my doctor challenged me to forgive those who had abused me and to seek beauty in the ambiguity of life.

What about you? What do you need to heal from?

You want to know something? I’ve spoken with thousands of men and women since launching Made in His Image and everyone always tells me they are scared to start therapy. I encourage them to try their best to see past their fears and focus on the end goal. I always get an email saying they are glad they started therapy, even though it’s hard. I’ve never once been told that someone regrets going. Remember, nothing in life that is worth achieving is easy.

Seek beauty in all things, even the cross.

P.S. You are enough

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