I grew up in Appalachia, most people get familiar with shame early

I grew up in Appalachia, most people get familiar with shame early. It isn’t innate; shame seems to be placed upon us, probably to protect something in someone else. It also doesn’t tend to go away on its own. It has to be confronted directly, or will take over. Left long enough to define someone, parts become unrecognizable.

That is why I think therapy should be challenging, because underneath it, something is usually still holding on. Strength, probably. Just like these mountains, and the women who have survived within them.

Appreciation to this band and my own therapist who shared them with me. They’re doing the same work, just in a different form. It’s nice to have others doing for me what I want to provide, a place to be contemplative.

🎧 @thelonetones • Knoxville, TN

Whitney Petree - LPC/MHSP Knoxville, TN

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