How to Know If Therapy Is Working

Starting therapy takes courage, especially if you’ve never done it before. It requires you to dig deep into yourself to examine your strengths, weaknesses, and work through trauma. Therapy also requires you to do the hard work of developing new skill sets and better coping mechanisms so that your relationships - with yourself and others - can improve. But how do you know if therapy is working? Not only does it take time for you to see changes, but signs of improvement can often be subtle. Be on the lookout for these signs your therapy sessions are paying off.

You Feel Better

One of the clearest signs that therapy is working is that you feel better. This could be very obvious, or it might feel more subtle. For example, your life might begin to feel more manageable, or the fog on a complicated path forward may start to clear. Your inner critic might be less ferocious, and you may begin seeing more beauty in the world around you.

Your Relationships Are Improving

Improved relationships at home, in your love life, among friends, and even at work is a sign that therapy is working for you. When we’re able to work through our pain, develop new skill sets, and learn new coping mechanisms, the way we engage with others is enhanced.

You’re Unlearning Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

Exploring childhood trauma can help to identify the ways we tried to make sense of the world as children so we can undo some of the coping techniques we developed for survival. Unlearning these unhealthy coping mechanisms allows us to break free and find a greater sense of independence, success, and personal fulfillment. It can take time to unlearn these deeply ingrained behaviors, but when they start to become unglued it's a sign that therapy is working.

If you’re ready to feel better, improve your relationships, and learn healthy coping skills, contact Colorway Wellness today!