A letter to my clients, past and present

Dear Clients,

After forty-five years of working with addiction, trauma, and mental health in various capacities, I’m stepping away from my day-to-day psychotherapy practice today. It has been my honor to walk with you on the path to wholeness, to witness your courage in facing challenges and your strength in surmounting them. Every one of you has taught me something about what it is to be human, helping me to become a better therapist and a better person. For that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Though I love Washington, where I have lived almost half my life, my heart yearns for the juniper and sagebrush of the high desert where I spent my youth. In a few months, I will move to a new home where the jackrabbits roam and see where the next phase of my life leads me.

The next phase doesn’t mean abandoning my commitment to survivors of childhood trauma. I will continue to lead Legacy Workshops, give public talks, help the media raise awareness, and consult with the Criminal Justice Training Center. In addition, my book Iron Legacy has led to some new opportunities, so there may be more surprises on that horizon as well. For those who have been asking, yes, I will publish an audible edition—and, who knows, I may just take the microphone myself!

What makes this transition possible is knowing that I leave my practice in the capable hands of John Burgess. John trained with me for three years and will consult with me for three more. I can say with absolute assurance that he’s a therapist of rare insight, formidable learning, and deep compassion—and a hell of a likeable guy.

At the risk of repeating myself, I want to end on a note of gratitude for allowing me to be a part of your healing journey and for being such an important part of mine. Thank you for your trust, your hard work, and your faith in the possibility of change. As our paths diverge, I wish you the very best.

Sincerely,

Donna