Embracing the Process: Insights on Therapeutic Progress
Many people seek therapy services in hopes of reducing bothersome symptoms, which is an understandable goal. However, some enter the therapeutic journey with expectations of quick results, and often experience a decrease in motivation when they realize progress can be slow.
There are a few things I do with a client who is concerned about the continuance of symptoms despite the work being done in and out of therapy. First, I validate these feelings. Of course, someone experiencing distressing mental health symptoms wants relief. Next, I explain that obvious progress in this work is often slow because one needs to unlearn past behaviors and beliefs in order develop new patterns and understanding of themselves. I like to use the following metaphor: picture a large open field- over time, you have created a path through it, and that is where your brain immediately goes because it is the easiest way through the field. Learning new patterns is like creating new paths in that field- your brain will want to go down the familiar path, but as you continue to go through the new ones, those paths will become easier to start down, and soon, you will have your choice of paths (and the old ones may even fade away).
Finally, I explore reframing their understanding of progress and success. While assessments and client reports of symptoms are a great way to observe qualitative progress, those are not the only indicators. Below, I share my and other NCCC therapists' helpful reframes of progress and success in the therapeutic journey:
Willingness- Maintaining management of your mental health is often an everyday practice. This concept alone can be overwhelming. Viewing progress as your level of willingness to continue to use the strategies and skills you have learned in therapy can lessen that overwhelm. Not only does this give you the space to make your own choices, but it also is not dependent on the frequency, intensity, or duration of specific symptoms. If you continue to be willing to do the work, show up to therapy, and, at the very least- try- it is a sign that you are making significant progress. - (Me) Emily Litzow
Awareness- When they get to the point of having the understanding that they used an unhealthy coping skill after it happened. I take that as a sign that we can get to the point where they notice them at the moment, then later, before it happens. This awareness allows them to choose how to respond to experiences in which they may have automatically reacted unhelpfully. - Shea Bradley
Perspective- When clients can start looking at scenarios/experiences with a different/shifted narrative about something, it is a big step in progress. Also, it is important to know how they feel about something they have been processing (anger, shame turning into acceptance/pride, etc.).- Laura Crosby
Utilization of Skills- When clients start reality testing their thoughts or stop automatically assuming they are to blame in a situation. This goes along with the presence of positive self-statements. When clients can identify and express wins or make a passing comment about something they like about themselves, this is an excellent sign that they are on the right track- Wendy Attmore
Values- When clients notice they are intentionally connecting with their values, such as doing their favorite hobbies again- Makena Hatfield
As therapists, we can make these kinds of observations of our clients, but most of us also experience it as clients ourselves (yes! Your therapist probably has a therapist, too!!). I have seen progress in myself through being able to observe the moments in which I can ground into my experience and be fully present with myself and those around me. Prior to the work I’ve done, I spent so much time existing in my head and the past/future. I asked our team what they have seen in themselves through their own journeys:
"I think what I tell myself about therapy a lot is that the goal isn't to feel better (sometimes this happens, but sometimes I leave therapy more ruffled than I did when I went in), but to understand and accept in ways that I haven't been able to before." - Laura Crosby
"For me, it is noticing a change in how I think through and respond to things." - Ashley Maag
"Those moments where I can think 'oh the old me would do this but in gonna do this instead' are the most impactful moments both in my journey and my clients'" - Michael Stover
Therapy is an extraordinary, nuanced journey that people embark on. There is no right or wrong way to do it. Therapeutic goals are helpful as a compass to find direction in the sessions, but there is so much more to experiencing success. We at Nashville Collaborative Counseling Center hope to help you find relief from the difficulties you experience daily and support you in creating sustainable shifts in your mindset that allow for a fulfilling, joyful life.
To learn more about our team, find a therapist, or schedule an appointment today, visit our website: NCCC Team and Appointments