In like a lion, out like a lamb

March is upon us! The saying goes, "In like a lion, out like a lamb," referring to the rough weather in the beginning of March making way for the mild, pleasant weather at the end of the month. At times, this can mirror how it feels to start changing our behavioral patterns when we start therapy. Often, someone will want to start therapy because something isn't working for them in life, or they want to grow in a certain area. That can be so challenging to start, though! 

We've all developed our patterns for good reasons; they are tools that worked for us at some point in our lives, but maybe they need an update in order to work better for the current situation. As anyone who has tried to change an old habit can tell you, this can be easier said than done. Sometimes, too, there is the added challenge of pushback from the people in our lives who have gotten used to us being a certain way. Practicing a new way of being will feel awkward and clumsy at first, which can be painful to one's sense of competence. 

For these reasons, it is beneficial to have someone supporting you when you're trying to renovate personality patterns, and even more crucial in trying to heal trauma. A trained therapist can support you through the growing pains, roadblocks, and challenges that come with growth. It does take effort and perseverance, but you can make it through the tough beginnings to enjoy the beautiful reward of hard-earned results!