What Your Therapist Loves About Your Sessions
One of the most rewarding parts of being a therapist is getting to witness the small (and big) shifts that happen in the therapy room. While every client’s journey is different, there are some deeply meaningful moments that tend to stick with me long after the session ends. These aren't always the dramatic breakthroughs, more often, they’re the quiet signs of growth, resilience, and connection.
Here are just a few of the things I absolutely love seeing from my clients:
When They Let Themselves Be Seen
There’s something incredibly powerful about watching someone begin to drop the mask they’ve had to wear for years. Whether it’s sharing something they’ve never said out loud, allowing themselves to cry, or even laughing freely in session, it’s a sign of safety, trust, and authenticity. That kind of vulnerability is sacred.
When They Set Boundaries (Even if It’s with Me)
When a client says something like, “I don’t want to talk about that today” or “Can we slow down?” I see it as progress, not resistance. It means they’re learning to tune into their needs and advocate for themselves, two things that often feel really hard, especially for people who’ve spent a lifetime trying to please others.
When They Get Curious About Their Patterns
The moment a client says something like, “I wonder why I always do that,” I know we’re stepping into powerful territory. Curiosity (not judgment) is one of the biggest game-changers in therapy. It opens the door to understanding, healing, and real, sustainable change.
When They Bring Their Full Selves
I love when clients show up as themselves, messy, joyful, sarcastic, reflective, quiet, passionate, silly, whatever that looks like. Therapy doesn’t have to be heavy every week. I welcome the moments when clients kick off their shoes, share a meme that made them laugh, or talk about their favorite show. Those moments are just as important as the hard stuff.
When They Catch Themselves Using a New Skill
Hearing a client say, “I paused and took a breath instead of reacting,” or “I noticed my anxiety before it got overwhelming,” is incredibly exciting. Even when it doesn’t “fix” everything right away, that kind of awareness is huge. It shows the work is sinking in.
When They Take Up Space
Many people come into therapy feeling like a burden, unsure if their feelings are valid or if they’re “too much.” Watching someone slowly begin to take up more space, to speak longer, to sit more confidently, to stop apologizing for being human, is one of the most beautiful transformations to witness.
When They Keep Showing Up
Even on the days when it’s hard. Even when they don’t know what to say. Even when progress feels invisible. The simple act of showing up, again and again, is a powerful reminder of how strong and committed they are to themselves.
Final Thoughts
Therapy isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up as you are, building trust, and finding new ways of being, that feel truer to who you really are underneath the layers. As a therapist, I feel honored to witness that unfolding in every client I work with.
Whether you’re a client who’s been doing the deep work for years, or someone nervously walking into their first session, just know: I see your effort. I value your honesty. And I truly love watching you grow in whatever way makes sense for you.