I’ve learned that regularly checking in with clients—asking questions like, “Is counseling still helpful?” or “Are we working on what matters most to you right now?”—can change the course of therapy in meaningful ways. These aren’t throwaway moments. They’re invitations. They tell the client, your voice matters most, and this work belongs to you.

Therapy is a space where clients can slow down and take a look at their inner world. Not just what they feel, but what they’re telling themselves. That shift—pausing to consider what am I thinking?—can be the start of real change.

Many clients come in saying they want help with anxiety, depression, or trauma. And while these are valid and important concerns, beneath the surface there’s usually a relational theme. They want to repair their marriage. They want to be a more patient parent. They want to stop pushing people away. They want to feel connected again. Understanding these underlying motives is key to doing meaningful therapeutic work.