“Why did you quit your job?” Abby stopped. On the outside, she was a successful attorney with an enviable marriage. On the inside, perfectionism, depression, and alcohol use quietly crippled her life. After an affair with a coworker, Abby lost her job. Her husband left, demanding she get some help before he’d consider reconciliation. In addition to coming to see me for therapy, Abby returned to her former church and joined a women’s Bible study where she met the group leader–

How to Be Authentic Without Feeling Exposed "Be Real!" "Live Authentically!" "Confess your sins!" "Share your burdens!" If you’ve ever been deeply hurt by judgmental, manipulative, or demanding people, sharing your authentic self can feel unsafe. You wonder whether someone is trustworthy, or whether they’ll use your vulnerability against you. You may feel compelled to answer every question honestly and directly, even when you don’t want to. "Why did you do that?" "Wha

You have the right to remain silent. You have the right not to answer a question if it demands an answer too personal or unnecessary for the situation. You have the right to speak. It might not change the other person, but sometimes things need to be said. If someone hurts you, you have the right to tell them, “That was rude," or "That was unnecessary." Speak up when someone is hurtful, even if it's simply to be honest. You have the right to change your mind. We would neve