You Are Not a Light Switch

The therapy process can bring up a lot of hidden things that eventually need to be worked through. You might come in with one goal for therapy and what to focus on, but over time, that might shift into another subject to discuss. Healing is not linear and takes time to navigate. Being open minded to the process and allowing time frames or expectations to be dissolved is most helpful.

A statement I always remind my clients is that it took years for you to develop into the person that you are right now (habits, beliefs, goals, etc.) it would be unfair to yourself and the therapy process to think that all of that will go away in just a few sessions. You are not a light switch and we cannot turn you off and on and expect a different result. Working through the complexities of life allows us the opportunity to really narrow in on how everything works together and contributes to the bigger picture. 

For now, it is allowing yourself to recognize how far you have come. You might not feel any differently, but showing up for each therapy session is progress. Noticing when you are falling back into old habits is progress. Speaking up for yourself when you otherwise wouldn't have is progress. You are making progress each and every day. Be patient with the process.