There’s no doubt about it, therapy can be tough.

But like all challenges that lead to growth and well-being, it’s worth it. Counseling makes all the difference in your quality of life, which is powerful. Something no one should take lightly or be dismissive of.

Therapy is not something that can be rushed. It’s important to remember that, short of increasing the number of sessions per week, there is no fast track to healing.

Healing isn’t linear, either. You may feel things are going great, but then have another revelation that makes you feel like you’ve regressed.

Have faith.

As recipients of the Best of Health and Wellness from the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce, we understand the importance of building trusting relationships that help our patients on their journey toward wellness. Besides having a solid connection to your therapist, here are some additional signs that indicate therapy is working.

Think about things you want to discuss at your next session

Making note of things you want to talk about at your next session shows that you’re engaged. Perhaps you’re proud to share how you maintained your boundaries in a challenging situation, or want to dive into something that caught you off guard.

Make note of it so you can bring it up later and get the most out of your session.

Start to implement some of the tools

As you apply the strategies learned in therapy shows proof, you’re doing it!

With anything new (especially when it involves changing a behavior!) it may feel weird at first. You won’t get it “right” every time.

But the more you practice, the easier, better, and more intuitive it becomes.

In the meantime, your therapist can encourage and guide you.

More insight and ability to identify old destructive patterns

The way we choose to interpret something – especially something that occurred in childhood – isn’t always correct.

Adult therapy is one of the best ways to sort through the messy murky parts of our past. The more you discuss and analyze, the clearer things become.

If you find yourself having “aha” moments over some of your past behaviors, this is a sign: therapy is working.

Compassion toward yourself and others

You may have a hard time being compassionate with yourself. Many tend to apply labels, like “foolish” “lazy,” and “not good enough,” instead of what’s really needed: compassion.

As you progress through therapy, you may start to gain a little more tenderness with yourself and others. You stop blaming yourself for things that were never your responsibility in the first place.

Compassion paves the path to forgiveness, and eventually healing.

Feel clearer, lighter, better

You feel better. Hopeful. You have a broader understanding of yourself, and see things differently.

Feeling good (even if it’s fleeting) is a big indication that therapy is working.

Investment… even when it’s painful and hard

Therapy is like surgery. Surgery involves a deep painful incision, and the recovery process involves physical therapy. Which can be painful and scary as you slowly stretch and expand your range of movement.

Emotional wounds hurt as well, and when you root them out (when you’ve done your best to hide or escape them) it can be equally painful and scary.

When you realize this and are still willing to be vulnerable, you see the merit of dipping into shame. Additionally you see the other areas you closed off and pretended didn’t exist. This is a sign that you’re invested, and therapy is working.

Therapy is a process that differs from person to person. If you’re interested in hearing more about what we do at the Relationship Therapy Center, please give us a call. We’ve helped countless others and can do the same for you.

Begin Therapy in Roseville, CA, Fair Oaks, CA, or Online in California:

If you are ready to change your life for the better, we can help. To begin therapy at our Sacramento area locations or online, follow these steps:

• Contact the Relationship Therapy Center and schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation to learn more.

• Meet with one of our talented therapists

• Begin treatment and regain control of your life.

Services Offered at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:

Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Couples Counseling, Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include anxiety treatment, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, codependency counseling and individual relationship counseling. Our therapists offer online counseling in California to treat a variety of mental health concerns. Please reach out to our Sacramento area therapy office to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your loved ones.