A Love Letter to Taylor Swift

Dear Taylor,

You don't know me - although, if you decide to move to Kansas City one day, we'll be closer geographically and would have more of an opportunity for a meet cute around the city.

Even though I don't know you personally, I want to express my deep gratitude to you for your ability to model your vulnerability and truth. You have a profound ability to create art in a way that connects with others and you share your gifts freely with your fans and with the world.

As a therapist, it is not uncommon for people to discuss you in therapy. (Not in a creepy way, I assure you there are ethics I'm bound to follow if it ever strays into something concerning). People connect with you. And then they are able to connect with parts of themselves. And for growth, change, and secure attachment with ourselves, that is hugely important and impactful.

I had clients who told me months in advance of your new album release that they would need to add "discussing the album" to their therapy agenda because they knew they would feel big feelings from connecting with your music. And they were right. While I am pro big feelings and vulnerability, it's not easy for everyone - but it seems to be easier for some with your help.

I have clients who quote you in session, play your songs in session, channel you when they want to feel strong, and get tattoos inspired by your words, lyrics, and general sense of self.

You allow people to feel your vulnerability with you, which allows them the parallel process of connecting with their own vulnerability - and that is always rich soil for growth and transformation.

So even though I don't know you, Taylor Swift, I feel your presence in the work I do - and I am so grateful for your contribution to those healing opportunities for the people I get to walk alongside in therapy.

Sincerely,

Jessica