How would you feel if your therapist said this?

I was discussing dating and my intimidation with men. How I want to date but don't feel enough.. due to my issues. I liked she Said I don't need to heal all my Issues or be Perfect to date. That men will have issues too. But then She said "You have a lot of anxiety. You may always have it. It is who you are.. "
On one hand i get she meant to kind oF not be ashamed of my disorder. But on the Other hand it is not who I AM. It is a result of trauma and not truly me. I just let it go but not sure how to Feel...how might you feel?

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sarabee1995 · 26-30, F

In once sense we are all the sum total of our experiences. But no one single experience defines us. Big experiences can change us for sure, but they integrate with the rest of who and what we are and are tempered by that.

So, no, you are not your anxiety. It is the result of your experiences. And it has become a part of who you are today not the totality of who you are. But you can build positive experiences and limit the anxiety's share of your future self.

🫂

Coralmist · 41-45, F

@sarabee1995 Thank you for your reflective reply Sara🐞