Growing Pains: Reflections on My Own Journey Through Therapy
When I reflect on my own experiences in counseling, it is easy to see the benefits, but I also remember the challenge. It wasn't always easy; at times, it was vulnerable, anxious, and tough. It made me realize that "growing pains" don't just apply to our physical bodies—they apply to our mental well-being, too.
Just as a seed has to push through the muck to find the light, we often have to push through our own "muck" to find growth. Here are the milestones that defined my path:
The Importance of Space
My first lesson was environmental. I realized that a cramped, unorganized office left me feeling guarded. It taught me that healing requires a "calm, safe space"—a principle I carry into my own practice today.
Learning Insight and Release
A later counselor helped me become a student of my own body. He noticed when my body language shifted and taught me to check in with myself in those moments. This is where I learned the "tools" of the trade:
Journaling: Giving myself permission to write whatever comes to mind.
Movement: Finding healthy ways to physically release anger and heavy emotions.
Music: Discovering that I wasn’t alone in my feelings.
Nature as a Mirror
During a season where I wasn't in active counseling, my love for nature blossomed. I realized the peace I had learned to "tap into" in an office could be replicated and amplified in the wilderness. Nature became my secondary therapist.
Facing the Diagnosis
When I returned to therapy later in life, I was met with empowerment. My counselor helped me identify an unhealthy relationship and, for the first time, gave a name to what I was experiencing: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Understanding the "why" behind my panic attacks allowed me to finally learn how to manage them through grounding and light stream techniques.
The EMDR Transformation
This was the turning point where my negative beliefs lost their power and my confidence began to take root. By processing the "stuck" trauma, I became a better advocate for myself. I learned:
To set firm, healthy boundaries.
To find genuine forgiveness for others.
To trust my own judgment.
To let go of the need for control.
A New Trajectory
Therapy didn't just "fix" me; it changed my trajectory. It guided me toward a healthier, more authentic version of myself. If you feel like you are currently in the "muck," please know that the push toward the light is worth the effort.
About the Author
Sarah Lacy, LPCC is an EMDR Specialist and Life Coach based in Rocky River, Ohio. She provides in-person support to the Lakewood, Westlake, and Bay Village communities, as well as Telehealth sessions throughout the state.
If these words resonate with you, reach out to take the next step in your healing journey.
