How to Know if Therapy Is Benefiting You: Key Indicators of Progress

Therapy offers a variety of benefits, from improving your communication skills to reducing anxiety, boosting confidence, increasing decision-making abilities, and strengthening relationships. Knowing the reasons you’re working with a therapist could help you dive deeper into yourself so you can address your strengths and work through your weaknesses. Below are some factors to look for when deciding if therapy is working for you and ways to keep it going in a positive direction.

Trust

One of the most significant signs to look for is the way you respond to your therapist. If there’s no trust, the sessions aren’t working, and it may be a good idea to try different methods or find a new therapist altogether. You should never feel misunderstood, and the therapist shouldn’t talk about him or herself more than learning about you and your needs.

Failing to put forth an effort in your sessions could be because of the individual you’re confiding in. Your therapist should be properly trained and put in just as much effort as you do. When you feel judged more than assisted, the sessions are likely not working, and changes need to be made.

Improved Mood

This is one of the clearest signs therapy sessions are doing what you want them to do. The overwhelming stress that may have taken over your days and nights has either decreased or you’ve developed methods to take on stressful situations with more confidence and energy. The anxiety that typically comes with certain actions won’t be the same, as therapy has likely made these situations feel more manageable.

Instead of resentment, you’ll notice feelings of eagerness, happiness, and joy when going into situations that cause stress for you. This allows you to look forward to learning more and being focused while in the moment.

Better Relationships

Whether you’ve begun therapy to improve your bonds with family and friends, your spouse, or individuals you work with, one sign the counseling is working is the improved relationships you’ve established. This includes having the ability to work through challenging times with a loved one instead of giving into stress, anger, and pain, and you’ll be able to find new ways to engage with your coworkers to complete jobs and meet career goals.

Keep in mind healthy relationships are equally important to your mental and emotional health. When therapy is working, you’ve learned more about difficulties and built effective methods to resolve setbacks within your different relationships, allowing you to nurture them instead of walking away and losing important individuals in your life.

Meeting Goals

While therapy can help you grow as a person, you must know what you’re aiming to reach. You can determine these goals in your sessions with the assistance of your therapist. It’s necessary to define them so you know what direction to go in and be able to determine what’s working and what isn’t. Goals provide a clearer way for a therapist to track your progress. If these goals cannot be reached, instead of assuming the progress you want is unachievable, it’s okay to realize the therapy sessions aren’t working and develop new strategies. 

Serenity Therapy & Counseling is committed to your healing journey, providing professional and compassionate support. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other life transitions, our therapists are equipped to guide you through. Take control of your mental health by scheduling a free consultation at our San Diego location or opting for online therapy. Reach out today and begin your path to healing.