Words From the Therapy Room: Part 3

As a therapist, I’ve noticed some themes show up so consistently that I’ve found myself repeating certain phrases. They’re truths that tend to surface during challenging and vulnerable conversations — the kind that emerge in the messy process of healing, growing, and simply being human.

Here are some that have to stuck out this month:

“Awareness opens the door for change and growth.”

We can’t change what we don’t acknowledge and recognize. That’s why awareness — not action, not problem-solving — is the first and most essential step in therapy. Whether it's becoming aware of your own patterns, your emotional triggers, or how your history shapes your present, that insight creates space. Once we name what’s happening, we can begin to choose something different. Awareness doesn’t fix everything, but it gives us access to the possibility of change by getting the ball rolling.

“Compartmentalization can be really helpful, but it won’t lead to change.”

There are times in life when we need to compartmentalize to get through the day. It's a survival skill — one that allows us to keep functioning when things feel too big or too raw or when theres another priority. It’s a skill that can keep people afloat during hard times. But if we compartmentalize for too long, we become stuck. True change asks us to open those boxes eventually, to integrate rather than separate. That’s where growth lives — in the places we’re brave enough to look into, even when it's uncomfortable.

“Resentment can come from the buildup of unmet expectations.”

Resentment often builds quietly, not from one moment but from many. It’s the weight of what we didn’t say, the needs we minimized, the boundaries we let slide. Often, resentment stems from expectations that go unmet — but just as often, it’s about needs that weren’t named. Left unspoken, these needs don’t disappear — they fester. Resentment isn’t irrational — it’s a signal. And when we trace it back, it often leads us to something that matters.

“You can’t truly communicate something you haven’t even begun to process yet.”

We live in a world that pushes us to move fast. It’s common to feel pressure to talk things out — to have the right words, to explain yourself, to resolve conflict. But sometimes we try to express things before we even understand them ourselves; you might not know what you feel, let alone how to say it. When we try to communicate from a place of confusion or overwhelm, we’re more likely to be misunderstood. Taking time to process isn’t avoidance — it’s preparation.

“What would it be like to not be in control?”

This is a question I often ask when control has become a protective mechanism. For many, control creates a sense of safety. But it can also become a prison — one that keeps us stuck, anxious, or exhausted. Asking this question doesn’t mean encouraging chaos. It means exploring softness. Trust. Surrender. What might it be like to loosen your grip, even just a little? What might become possible?

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended as professional advice. Although themes and patterns are reflected, everyone’s experiences are unique, and what resonates with some may not apply to your situation. This content should not be applied to toxic or abusive situations. If you’re facing challenges, consider reaching out to a qualified professional for personalized support.