Alisha Small, 35
#MyTherapyJourney
Alisha Small, 35
📍 Brooklyn, New York
“My transition started at the age of 26. At the time I was unknowingly suffering from unresolved childhood trauma such as sexual, physical, emotional and mental abuse, in addition to watching my mother be a victim of domestic violence my entire childhood. Getting married forced me to look at all of the learned toxic behaviors I was demonstrating as a woman and as a mother. Up until I was about the age of 30, I had done a pretty good job with evolving, changing my parenting style, and my behaviors. Then, I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own business. It was at that time I realized that I had taken myself as far as I could go. The level that I was on required more than just self healing. Even though I was an entrepreneur and had a successful business at the time, I still wasn’t where I needed to be in my personal development. In 2017 I decided to see a therapist. It was one of the best decisions I made in my life. At that moment I didn’t feel sad or embarrassed about where I was in my life. I felt empowered because I took a step a lot of people don’t take or will ever take at all.
During my first therapy session I got a chance to really hear myself tell my own story. I didn’t just tell my story I told it to someone who let me express myself without interruption, judgement, or bias. I remember my therapist just letting me talk and being eerily quiet in the room. Being able to hear myself talk without any pain was amazing. From that day my therapist helped me understand my strength and how to use my story to help other women. She helped me understand and navigate the strained relationship I had with my parents, and become a stronger mother and partner in my marriage. She has also helped me implement certain self care practices, finding balance between being a mother, wife, and entrepreneur. I also invested in my spiritual development and strengthened my relationship with God which helped me find my purpose in life. Strengthening my relationship with God, paired with therapy, and coaching is the powerful combo that made me the woman I am today. I am growing more powerful, wise, and successful every day.”