Introducing: Lessons from the Therapy Room
Therapists don’t just teach—we learn. Every session is a reminder of the power of the mind, the resilience of the human spirit, and the depth of emotions we navigate.
I’ve decided to start this Lessons from the Therapy Room series as a way to reflect on those moments—insights that aren’t just valuable in therapy, but in life. While always protecting confidentiality, I want to share the real, raw lessons that emerge from this work. Some are unexpected, some are profound, but all are worth remembering.
Each week, I’ll highlight key takeaways that challenge, inspire, and remind me why I do this work. Maybe they’ll resonate with you, too. Every week, I’m reminded of the resilience, growth, and power of the human mind.
Here are five key lessons I learned from my clients this week:
Don’t Judge Too Quickly.
A young individual came in for a consultation, and my initial thought was, Nope, this will be another “failure to launch” situation—they won’t be able to handle the process I’ve built. I was completely wrong. They showed up ready to engage, proving once again that assumptions—even from seasoned professionals—can be flawed.
Watching Courage in Action. Exposure work is brutal. Facing what you fear, sitting with the discomfort, and choosing to push forward is one of the hardest things we can do. This week, I witnessed a client pause, break down, cry—but then something shifted. A moment of quiet resolve washed over them, and they stepped right back in. The physical manifestation of courage is something I will never get tired of seeing.
Faith is a Source of Strength.
Some clients bring faith into our sessions, and I’m always grateful for those deeper conversations. I’ve noticed that those with a strong faith often display a level of resilience that others struggle to find. It’s not about avoiding pain—it’s about enduring it with a foundation that holds.
Attunement and Regulation Are Game-Changers. I taught a client a new technique this week, preparing her mind to attune with me before moving into regulation work. Within moments, she locked in, and the tears came. I explained: You’ve lived in fear for so long that attuning and soothing directly challenge that fear. Your tears aren’t weakness; they’re proof that your mind is learning safety. Moments like this are why I do this work.
Clients Remind Me of My Own Needs. Therapists aren’t immune to burnout. This week, I was reminded that when I feel depleted, I need to recognize it, step into it, and take active steps to rest and recover. My clients show up for themselves, and I have to do the same.
People come to me as the expert, but every week, I’m reminded that growth is a two-way process. My clients push themselves in ways that challenge me to refine my approach, deepen my understanding, and stay fully present in this work. I witness resilience, courage, and breakthroughs that reaffirm why I do what I do.
Therapy isn’t just about guiding others—it’s about constantly learning, adapting, and being humbled by the strength of those who sit across from me.
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