Title: 7 Subtle Signs That Therapy Is Making a Positive Impact on Your Life
Subtitle: Discover the Unexpected Transformations That Come with Emotional Growth
Date: [Current date]
In a world where seeking professional help is often stigmatized, it is important to recognize the significant impact therapy can have on one’s life. Many individuals, burdened by a variety of personal struggles, turn to psychologists to find solace and navigate through life’s challenges. But how can those undergoing therapy determine if their sessions are indeed making progress? Patricia O’Gorman, a renowned psychologist and life coach, sheds light on seven subtle changes that demonstrate personal growth and emotional healing.
1. “No” Becomes a Powerful Word: Rachel, a mother striving to provide her children with the nurturing she lacked in her own childhood, discovered the liberating power of setting boundaries. Learning that saying “no” does not lead to catastrophe, she was emboldened to assert herself not only with her kids but also with the adults in her life. This newfound ability to set limits empowered her and brought a sense of joy into her interactions.
2. Breaking Free from Emotional Eating: As mental well-being improves, the allure of comfort foods, like chocolate, diminishes. Melissa, who sought therapy to cope with the trauma of parental alcoholism, was pleasantly surprised to find herself losing weight. With a newfound compassion for herself, she no longer needed to rely on food as a source of soothing.
3. The Desire for More Fulfilling Relationships: Some individuals undergoing therapy may find that certain friendships begin to feel tiresome and predictable. The urge to seek companionship that revolves around shared interests and positive experiences becomes stronger. Gabrielle realized that she needed friends who enjoyed doing activities and sought out more dynamic friendships.
4. Evaluating Romantic Relationships: Therapy can also lead to a reevaluation of romantic partnerships. Maddie came to understand that she no longer enjoyed the constant drama that her current boyfriend brought into her life. Recognizing her own worth and needs, she began to consider a future with someone who valued her and reciprocated her feelings.
5. Identifying Dissatisfaction at Work: Not only does therapy help individuals address personal issues, but it can also shed light on professional dissatisfaction. Don, who embarked on therapy to repair his marriage after infidelity, discovered a growing sense of discontentment in his job. Realizing that his needs were not being fulfilled, he began contemplating a career change.
6. Making Space for Companionship: Therapy can provide individuals with the clarity and emotional stability needed to introduce a pet into their lives. Karen, feeling isolated and overwhelmed, found solace in the idea of having a furry companion. Despite the concerns raised by her friend, she decided to prioritize her own happiness by hiring a dog-walker to accommodate her busy schedule.
7. Enhanced Self-Acceptance and Body Positivity: Emotional healing often manifests physically. Tara, who had battled anxiety and self-criticism for years, noticed a remarkable change. Now equipped with strategies to manage her anxiety, she experienced newfound self-acceptance and began appreciating her appearance. The freedom she felt in her body was a testament to her emotional progress.
O’Gorman emphasizes that personal growth is not a linear path but rather an unpredictable journey. Just as a shaken soda can explodes with intensity upon opening, individuals experiencing therapy may undergo transformations that affect every aspect of their lives. These subtle changes indicate that emotional health is being restored and a brighter future lies ahead.
Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness or failure but rather a brave step towards self-improvement. As each individual embarks on their unique mental health journey, they should celebrate the unexpected truths and positive changes that therapy can bring.
Note: Patricia O’Gorman, Ph.D., is a psychologist and life coach renowned for her work on trauma, resilience, women, and self-parenting. Her writings and insights can be found on Substack.