Therapy is Like Exercise

Therapy is Like Exercise: It Doesn’t Take One Push-Up the First Day to Get Abs

So often, people expect therapy to be a quick fix, something that will magically “make everything better” after a single session. However, just like exercise, therapy is a process. Imagine going to the gym, doing a single push-up, and expecting defined abs the next day. Abs don’t come from a single exercise session, and lasting mental wellness doesn’t come from a single therapy session. Both take time, patience, and consistency.

Therapy, like fitness, is a gradual journey. Every conversation, exercise, and reflection adds up to create real, lasting change. While it’s understandable to want quick relief from emotional pain, mental health is more about resilience, strength, and the gradual build-up of tools you can use when life’s challenges come your way.

Building Strength Over Time

In fitness, every push-up, every run, and every weight lifted builds strength over time. In therapy, it’s the same principle: every session adds another layer of understanding, self-compassion, and skill. The goal isn’t to rush through it but to build a mental and emotional strength that can support you in good times and bad. It’s about creating lasting change, just like how consistent workouts build muscle and endurance.

Just as we don’t criticize someone for not having abs after a few workouts, we shouldn’t expect instant results from therapy. Therapy is a safe space where we can gradually work through our feelings, patterns, and past traumas. Each session might not seem groundbreaking, but cumulatively, they build resilience, self-awareness, and the emotional tools necessary to handle life’s ups and downs.

Consistency is Key

Therapy requires commitment. Just as you wouldn’t see physical progress if you exercised only once a month, you won’t see emotional progress with sporadic therapy sessions. Regular, consistent sessions are the key to developing healthy coping mechanisms and understanding deeper layers of yourself. And just as with fitness, some days are more challenging than others. There will be sessions where you might feel exhausted, just as there are workouts that leave you sore. But pushing through those tough moments is where growth happens.

Celebrate Small Wins

In both fitness and therapy, progress can be slow, and sometimes you might not notice it right away. However, small wins—whether it’s lifting a heavier weight or gaining a new insight into yourself—are crucial. These moments are worth celebrating as they mark the steps you’re taking toward your larger goals. Therapy helps you recognize these achievements and reminds you that growth doesn’t happen overnight.

Mental Fitness is Just as Important as Physical Fitness

Taking care of your mind is just as vital as taking care of your body. Therapy isn’t just for times of crisis; it’s an investment in your mental well-being. Much like physical fitness, maintaining mental fitness can enhance your life, improve your relationships, and make you more resilient. Over time, therapy helps build a foundation that supports a healthier, more fulfilling life.

So, if you’re considering therapy, remember that it’s a journey. Don’t expect instant results, but trust that every session is a step towards a stronger, healthier you. Just like exercise, the more consistent you are, the more you’ll see the benefits. And while it may not be easy, the rewards are well worth the effort.