Meet Cassie, an amazing clinician who whilst trying to fix herself, discovered the very thing she was trying to fix didn't need to be fixed at all.

I have been emotional my whole life. I feel everything so intensely, all of the time.

If someone was having a hard time, I would run through all the scenarios of what I might be able to help with. If I was in trouble, it would be earth shattering. If someone made a passing comment, it would bother me for days. If I got negative feedback, it would hit me in my soul. If I hadn’t done something exactly right, it would be earth shattering and I would feel like a failure for letting people down. If people had something happening with them, I would take on all the possible variables and fight hard for a good outcome because I could not stand someone feeling troubled or distressed.

I have always been hard on myself for not being enough. I felt this innate pressure to do better, to try harder, to make people happy, and to fix what was broken – but at what cost, I genuinely don’t know because I don’t know another way.

I was always confused as to why I had to feel all these feelings, all so intensely, at all times. Why was the world so heavy and hard? I also spent a LOT of time angry and frustrated that no one understood me. Why was I so different?

I have been accused of being emotionally manipulative when it’s perceived that I am over reacting about situations or events. People have gotten frustrated with me for feeling too much or showing too much emotion. I have been called a cry baby and dramatic. I have been over involved and often help too much. Boundaries and self-care are not my strong points - I am a work in progress.

As I have gotten older and done my professional training, I have embraced who I am and I have owned my truth. I see the alternative narrative now, my ability to deeply connect and emotionally empathise makes me who I am. Furthermore, it has afforded me the opportunity to create a real difference with the people I work with. Genuine empathy leads to connection and a safe space for people to be truly vulnerable – this is where I can make a difference. Trying to make sense of my world, I accidentally found my place.

The one thing that I have questioned about myself my whole life, that has been tried to be fixed and baffled others, is the thing that I now love most about myself and now brings me peace and joy, but more importantly – purpose!

I still cry and I always will. When I stop feeling this intensely or emotionally reacting then I will know something is truly wrong.

Find the things that define you, even if you feel misunderstood - embrace them and use them for the foundation of your drive and purpose in life. Don’t let anyone make you question your worth.