For over a year, I met with Dr. Merchant and found it incredibly easy to speak honestly and candidly with her. Therapy, however, was anything but easy. Her objectivity, kindness and candor helped me to adjust some of the self-defeating, negative mantras that lived in my head. She was quick to identify my lack of self-compassion as well as, other core issue that were holding me back. I used the time in between sessions to reflect on our conversations and journal about them. This helped to give me some clarity and reassured old patterns of doubt and uncertainty. Surprisingly, this made me look forward to our visits even though the context of our talks were often painful and difficult to discuss. I am forever grateful for Dr. Merchant’s professionalism and obvious commitment to my well-being.