How therapy offers tools for self-improvement and the journey continues even after the sessions.
It’s been months since my last therapy session.
Admittedly, I haven’t been the best at maintaining some of the habits my therapist encouraged me to develop. I don’t consistently keep a diary or take mid-day walks to clear my head when stress looms. And when life takes a downturn, I don’t always “search for the evidence,” a technique she taught me to untangle logic from the falsehoods my mind sometimes clings to.
Yet, despite my shortcomings, I can see the progress I’ve made. The lessons from therapy have become woven into the rhythms of my life, even if subtly.
Therapy: What It Offers
Therapy isn’t cheap, and at first, it felt like a hefty expense for a one-hour conversation. Back in the days of COVID-19 restrictions, I wasn’t sure if it was worth it. But the pandemic and its aftermath pushed me to seek clarity.
Returning to normalcy was daunting, and my inner turmoil—fueled by self-doubt and a lack of focus—needed addressing. A friend recommended a therapist, and that first appointment set me on a path I didn’t know I needed.
Therapy is work. It’s about opening up, confronting yourself, and accepting the commitment required to change. It’s not a quick fix but a process of peeling back layers to address what lies beneath.
Life After Therapy
These days, my life feels more stable. The highs and lows still come, but therapy taught me how to navigate them. A memorable session with my therapist, “Laura,” revolved around my reluctance to write daily diary entries. She didn’t let me off the hook.
“You’re a writer, Daniel. What’s the problem?” she asked pointedly. That moment spurred me to act.
Though I don’t journal as often now, the habit of reflecting on my emotions persists. Therapy also introduced me to mental exercises like “registration and interrogation”—acknowledging my feelings and then questioning their validity. These tools have been invaluable for managing anxiety and self-doubt.
The Social Component
While therapy equips you with tools, having a support network is equally important. Therapy helped me refine how I share my struggles with friends, avoiding overreliance while fostering meaningful connections.
The key lies in intentionality—knowing when to reach out, listening as much as you speak, and respecting boundaries.
The Journey Continues
Therapy isn’t a cure-all, but it’s a transformative process. My therapist reminded me that while not every problem has a solution, I’ve already proven capable of navigating challenges.
The work isn’t finished, and that’s okay. Therapy gave me a foundation and the confidence to continue building on it, one day at a time.
As I move forward, I carry Laura’s lessons with me, knowing I can always reach out if needed. The journey of self-growth doesn’t end; it evolves, and I’m ready to embrace it.
