5 Signs You Are Making Progress in Therapy
Making progress in therapy can be challenging to determine. It can be hard to know if you are really getting better or not. This is especially true if you are new to therapy. However, there are indicators that can assure you that you are making progress in therapy. If you are currently seeing a therapist, here are 5 signs that things are going well and you are making progress:
1. You have improved your relationships with family and friends and feel more connected to others.
One of the signs that therapy is working is that you have improved your relationships with family and friends and feel more connected to others. This can manifest in different ways. For example, you may find that you can communicate more effectively with loved ones or that you are no longer as quick to anger as you once were. You may find that you are having less conflict or hurt feelings. You may also find yourself seeking out social activities more often or feeling more comfortable in large groups. If you notice any of these changes, it is a good indication that therapy is helping you to develop healthier relationships.
2. You have started to understand yourself better and have more insight into your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Another indicator that therapy is working is that you have more insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As you explore the patterns and behaviors that have been holding you back, you will develop a greater understanding of yourself. This new self-knowledge can be the powerful first step in making positive changes in your life.
3. You are better able to cope with stress and difficult situations.
People commonly seek therapy to learn how to better manage stress and difficult situations. Life can be unpredictable and challenging, and it can be incredibly difficult to know how to best deal with hardships when they arise. However, therapy can provide valuable tools for managing stress and dealing with difficult life events. One sign that therapy is working is that you find yourself better able to cope with stressful situations. You may feel more confident in your ability to handle whatever life throws your way, and you may notice that you are able to manage your emotions during times of stress better. If you are better able to cope with stress since starting therapy, it may be a sign that the therapy is effectively helping you meet your goals.
4. You have made some positive changes in your life, such as quitting smoking or drinking or starting to exercise.
A critical indicator that therapy is improving your situation is that you are starting to make substantial positive changes in your overall life. For example, if you quit smoking, changed your behaviors around drinking alcohol, or started to exercise regularly, this suggests that you are motivated to make positive changes in your life. These changes can be difficult, and the fact that you are taking steps to make them shows that therapy is helping you to identify and work towards your goals. Of course, not all changes have to be drastic; even small improvements, such as eating more healthily or spending more time with friends and family, can show that therapy is positively impacting. The goal of therapy is to help you live a happier and more fulfilling life, and any changes that move you closer to that goal are evidence that therapy is working.
5. You feel that you are progressing towards your goals and more hopeful about the future.
When you first begin therapy, it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by your challenges and uncertain about the future. But as you work through your issues with the help of a therapist, you should start to feel more hopeful about what lies ahead. You may find yourself setting new goals and making progress towards old ones. You may also notice that you are more optimistic about your relationships, career, and other areas of your life. If you are feeling more hopeful about the future, it is a good sign that therapy is working for you.
Continue to make progress
Therapy can be an extremely effective way to improve your life and make progress toward your personal goals. If you notice any of the five signs listed above, therapy is likely helping you make positive changes in your life. Suppose you are feeling more hopeful about the future, coping better with stress, understanding yourself better, and making positive changes in your life. In that case, therapy is likely working for you.
Groundwork Therapy is a Brooklyn-based team of Brooklyn psychologists and licensed therapists dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families make positive changes in their lives. If you are in Brooklyn, NY, and are searching for a therapist near me, contact Groundwork Therapy today.