by Andrew Kravig.
Starting therapy is a brave decision. It means you're choosing to face challenges head-on, work through pain, and seek a healthier, more fulfilling life. But anyone who’s been in therapy knows—it’s not always easy. Real growth takes time, and two of the most important ingredients in that process are committing to do the work and consistency.
We live in a world that rewards quick fixes, fast results, instant gratification, and “life hacks.” But therapy doesn’t work that way. It’s not about getting answers overnight. It’s about learning to understand yourself, change patterns that don’t serve you, and build a more solid foundation for the future. That takes time, and it takes effort. The progress you make may be slow at times, but that doesn’t mean it’s not working.
Hard work in therapy doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s as simple (and as difficult) as showing up on a day when you’d rather stay in bed. It’s being honest with your therapist even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s trying out new coping tools, reflecting between sessions, or sitting with painful emotions instead of pushing them away. These may seem like small steps, but together, they create real momentum.
There will be sessions when you feel stuck, discouraged, or even like you’re moving backward. That’s normal. Healing isn’t a straight line. But perseverance - the choice to keep going, to keep showing up, and to keep trying - is what gets you through those rough patches. It builds emotional strength and helps you discover that you can survive hard things, and even grow from them.
Remember that real change comes from repetition! Insight is important in therapy, but insight alone doesn’t change your life, practice does. Working through emotional challenges again and again, learning to react differently, and making better choices takes repeated effort. That’s why perseverance matters. The more consistently you engage in the process, the more your brain and behavior begin to shift in real, lasting ways.
Remember that you don’t have to be perfect, just present :) Some clients worry about saying the “right” thing or having big breakthroughs every session. But that’s not what therapy is about. It’s about being present, being real, and staying engaged in the process even when it’s hard. Your therapist doesn’t expect perfection; they expect honesty, effort, and commitment.
And remember that you are stronger than you think! If you’ve already taken the step to start therapy, you’re stronger than you may realize. Every time you open up, try something new, or keep going despite setbacks, you’re building resilience. That strength, paired with your effort and determination, is what creates lasting change.
Therapy is hard work. But it’s also some of the most important and empowering work you can do for yourself. Keep going. You are worth the effort!
Read more about therapy with Andrew here.