CAE to CAF 3: Therapist

My best friend has walked with me through so many seasons of my life.

He and I met when we were 18 and 17, respectively. We clicked instantly, but I had no idea he’d become such a major part of my life.

I remember one time in 2007 we were walking across campus (Go Green!) to praise team rehearsal and I just listened to him pour out his heart about the choir (MSU Gospel Choir) and his feelings about being assistant director.

Fast forward to 2010 when we became inseparable. It got easier and easier to talk to him about almost anything and I knew he’d listen without judgment and would help me see the bigger picture.

So in 2017, after seeing a licensed therapist for sometime (Daughter Status) she convinced me to apply to the counseling program at Ashland Theological Seminary. It took some time, but I eventually convinced Tyrone to apply as well. After all, he had been my therapist for years and I’d heard snippets of conversations he had with others when he’d walk with through difficult times with such grace.

It was during this season of our friendship when we realized that the strength of our relationship was built on our abilities to be honest with each, challenge each other, and give grace to each other.

Tyrone had been my therapist for years. Ashland allowed us the opportunity to be more equipped to healthily engage others and one another. He learned how to be an even safer space for me. I didn’t know that it was possible. It opened up my mind to wonder how much more I didn’t know was available to us in our relationship.

Our time spent as seminarians was cleansing and refreshing. It was a beautiful experience to watch my best friend intentionally become a more mentally healthy person. I began to realize that I wanted to ensure that I get a closer seat in the audience of his life as God reveals more of His purpose for Tyrone. As I took my seat in the audience of his life, God ushered me to the stage with him.

Now, we get to be covenant partners and watch the Lord move in a whole new way in our relationship.

2 years later, we both have masters degrees in counseling and we found our forever partner.

Drink some water. Get a licensed therapist.