Feeling Stuck in Therapy

Therapy can feel like wading through mud at times—slow, effortful, and uncertain. As an LPC, I see many clients hit plateaus where progress stalls, and frustration sets in. Today, I want to share insights to help you regain momentum and keep moving forward.

Why Plateaus Happen

• Habituation: The brain adapts to new routines; what felt novel becomes ordinary.

• Deep Work Takes Time: Trauma processing, belief shifts, and behavioral changes unfold in layers.

• External Stressors: Life events can temporarily overwhelm therapeutic gains making you feel stuck.

Strategies to Break Through

1. Revisit Goals Together. Therapy goals evolve. Let’s check in and adjust what we’re aiming for to stay aligned with your growth.

2. Try a New Modality. If talk therapy feels stuck, exploring EMDR, art therapy, or somatic techniques can awaken new insights.

3. Homework Refresh. Shake up your reflections—experiment with video journaling instead of written journals or vice versa to spark fresh perspective.

A Caring Word for Anyone Feeling Stuck in Therapy

It’s normal to feel stuck. In those moments, remember the progress you’ve already made—however small. Every step counts, and those “stuck” days are fertile ground for breakthroughs. Change often happens in small, subtle ways that can go unnoticed in daily life—especially when we’re expecting a big, fast, or dramatic difference. Take a step back. Look at where you were 6 months ago compared to today. Practice self-compassion.

How Stuck Can Be a New Start

Every day is an opportunity for a new beginning. If you recognize that you're feeling stuck in therapy, let’s schedule a session to reassess and reinvigorate your journey. Together, we’ll find the right path to reignite your therapeutic growth.