The Return

There’s something powerful about coming back to therapy after time away.

Almost three months passed before I finally walked back into that space, and I knew exactly how much I missed it. It was hard not going. If you’ve ever had to step away from something that helped keep you grounded, you probably understand that ache. Therapy isn’t just something I do—it’s something I genuinely love. It’s where I get to show up as I am, without masks, without pretending I’ve got it all together.

During the time I was away, my road tested me. Hard.

It tested my boundaries, my coping skills, and everything I had learned in therapy beforehand. And if you’re reading this thinking, yeah, life doesn’t pause just because we need support—you’re right. Life kept coming. Some days I stood firm. Other days I felt stretched thin. But every challenge reminded me how much those tools mattered.

Did I successfully use my coping skills correctly every time?

No. Not even close. My anger took control more times than I’d like to admit—aka “Ursula,” as my husband calls it. If you’ve ever watched yourself react and thought, wow, I knew better than that, you’re not alone. Therapy didn’t make me perfect—it made me aware. And awareness is where real change starts.

What I love most about therapy is learning how to cope in ways that actually work in real life. Not just in calm moments, but in the messy ones. I’ve learned how to pause instead of explode, how to ground myself when emotions feel too big, and how to come back to myself after I lose control. And if you’re still learning how to do that, please hear this—progress counts, even when it’s imperfect.

I also love learning how to love who I am. Therapy has helped me look at myself with more compassion. Maybe you need that reminder too. You don’t need to be fixed. You don’t need to be less. You need understanding—especially from yourself. Healing doesn’t mean never messing up; it means not abandoning yourself when you do.

The healing process itself has become something I deeply respect. Healing isn’t linear. Some days feel empowering, others feel exhausting. If you’re in that in-between space—trying, failing, trying again—know that you’re still healing. Therapy has taught me that growth isn’t about control; it’s about coming back with honesty and grace.

Therapy has genuinely changed my life. It’s helped me communicate better, set healthier boundaries, and understand myself on a deeper level. And if you’re wondering whether therapy can really make a difference for you—it can. Not overnight. Not magically. But steadily, in ways that start to add up.

For those curious, I go to The Dig Space in Cape Carteret, and I see Sam, who is an incredible therapist. The space feels safe and grounding, and Sam has a way of holding space that makes you feel supported without judgment. If you’ve been searching for a place where you can just be, this might be your sign.

https://www.digspacecounseling.com/

So if you’re reading this and considering therapy—or thinking about returning after time away—this is me, gently reminding you: you’re allowed to need help. You’re allowed to miss what once helped you heal. And you’re allowed to show up exactly as you are.

Even when Ursula shows up too. 🐙🤍