Zipora Herzberg - Destroyed my trust in therapy made me want to die for 6 years and threatened me into silence New York Lawrence

This so-called therapist caused me significant emotional harm.

I spent years with her, trying to figure out why I was getting worse and worse. I tried to end therapy just a few months in — and repeatedly after that — because I felt sick under her care and emotional control. But she kept urging me to stay, insisting she could help.

To make a long story short: not only did she fail to help me, she harmed me in ways I still find hard to put into words.

Since leaving her care, I’ve gained distance and clarity. Every day that passes, I see more and more just how stuck I was — and how I was heading in only one direction: toward death. I had constant suicidal thoughts. Every issue I brought to her worsened. New issues even formed — some from trauma, others due to the harm caused by her treatment itself.

She made mistakes that I now see as both unforgivable and lethal.

Even though I am now free, I worry deeply for others. I feel it is my duty to warn people, because someone else could walk into her office and begin the same downward spiral. I want nothing more now than to live, grow, heal, and reclaim my life — but I was robbed of years. And that is something I find hard to forgive.

What hurts the most is realizing all of this only once I finally got out. I truly believe that if I had stayed longer, I may not be here to write this. When I was entangled in the therapy, I couldn’t see the full extent of what was happening. I blamed myself. And she let me. But I know now — I was never to blame. I was the patient.

I sought support from someone who was supposed to be trained, licensed, and trustworthy. I put my trust in credentials and titles. And I paid the price with my peace, my health, and nearly my life.

She drained the light from me. The fire in my soul was gone. I became empty, broken, and begging for her love — instead of healing. It was a terrible and disorienting experience that I hope no one else ever has to endure.

I now feel more passionately than ever about warning others. I want to remind every person reading this: you are inherently worthy, lovable, and valuable — not because someone else says so, but because you were created that way. No therapist, no title, no degree gives someone the right to extinguish your spirit.

If you're reading this and you’re in pain — please hear me:
Being sensitive, needy, or emotional does not make you defective. The right people will love you for those parts.
The wrong ones will try to control, shame, or silence them.

Run far and fast from anyone who puts out your light.

You are a beautiful soul, created with love and intention. You deserve warmth, safety, and care. I believe in you because I was you — and today, I’m thriving. Thank G-d for the people who stood by me and helped me break free.

Please, trust your gut.
No one knows your truth better than you.
And if someone who was supposed to help you begins to harm you — leave.
You owe no one your suffering.