How can you tell if therapy is working? Growth in therapy is often gradual, showing up in small but meaningful ways over time. At Centre Wellness, our registered psychotherapists and psychologists help clients recognize these changes and gain confidence in their progress.
Here are some common signs that therapy is making a difference, along with insights from our team about the transformations they see in their clients.
Increased Self-Awareness
Many clients start therapy feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what’s causing their distress. Over time, they begin recognizing patterns in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
Courtney Kannampuzha, a registered psychotherapist on our team, describes this shift:
“I typically see my clients growing more aware of their patterns, whether that be related to their thoughts or behaviours. They learn to accept them and implement tools that help manage them.”
Amy Simms, Registered Psychotherapist, emphasizes that recognizing patterns is a key milestone in therapy:
“Clients often find themselves in a place where they’re starting to notice their patterns. They begin using new skills and experience positive changes in their relationships, emotion regulation, and self-awareness.”
This self-awareness allows clients to make intentional choices rather than reacting automatically.
Improved Coping Skills
Stressful situations don’t disappear, but therapy helps clients respond to them in healthier ways. Many begin using grounding techniques, setting realistic expectations, or practicing self-compassion.
Dr. Fiona Dyshniku, a psychologist at Centre Wellness, explains:
“A client presenting in therapy later on is not necessarily in better spirits all the time, but they have more control. Life and crises don’t knock them off balance as much.”
Amy also highlights that true change happens outside of sessions:
“There is a difference between coming to therapy and doing therapy.”
When clients start applying what they’ve learned in their daily lives, it’s a strong sign that therapy is working.
Healthier Relationships
Many clients begin therapy struggling with communication, boundaries, or unresolved conflicts. A sign of progress is when they start advocating for themselves and engaging more effectively with others.
Linay Repath, a registered psychotherapist at Centre Wellness, observes:
“There’s this feeling of, ‘I’ve taken control back in my life in some way.’ Clients realize they’re not just being thrown around by their circumstances—they’re steering their own ship.”
This empowerment often leads to more fulfilling relationships.
More Emotional Balance
A common misconception about therapy is that the goal is to always feel happy. In reality, success in therapy means emotions feel more manageable, and clients recover from difficult moments faster.
Dr. Leah Todd, a psychologist at Centre Wellness, describes this transformation:
“There’s an expansion of their emotional experiences. Clients don’t just feel sadness or anger—they also start experiencing joy, love, and excitement again.”
Amy adds:
“Discomfort can be a great thing; it is where all of our growth happens.”
Being able to sit with and navigate different emotions—rather than avoiding them—is a sign of progress.
Greater Sense of Purpose and Direction
Many clients begin therapy feeling lost or uncertain about their next steps. As they progress, they gain clarity on their values and take steps toward living in alignment with them.
Dr. Stephanie Campbell, a psychologist at Centre Wellness, explains:
“Therapy is about self-awareness and understanding. Clients learn their own vulnerability factors and strengths, and they gain the ability to manage whatever comes their way.”
When clients start making intentional decisions about their future, it’s a clear sign that therapy is helping.
What If You’re Not Sure If You’re Making Progress?
If you’re in therapy for burnout, stress, or major life changes, it’s natural to wonder if you’re improving. Growth is rarely linear, and sometimes, it takes an outside perspective to recognize how far you’ve come.
Dr. Dyshniku points out:
“Clients often don’t notice their own progress. But I see it in their increased confidence, their ability to handle life’s challenges, and their engagement with the world.”
Therapy isn’t about eliminating challenges—it’s about feeling more equipped to navigate them.
At Centre Wellness, we offer a supportive space to help you move forward with confidence. If you’re looking for therapy in Kingston, our team is here to guide you on your journey.
View Our Team and Book an Appointment Today!
