How do you know spring is coming? How do you know counselling is working? At the beginning changes are often not instant, though some find an immediate relief after sharing their worries, sometimes for the first time in years or even decades of lonely and silent suffering.
Subtle changes may include improved sleep, breathing and digestion. Bigger changes may include improved communication, life satisfaction and quicker recovery from stressful day-to-day stresses.
Like spring counselling does not always move in a straight line. There might be set-backs – dark clouds and storms – but that does not mean spring is not coming or healing is not happening. In those times it’s important to remember that change has already happened and is possible again. Above all it’s a time to keep hope.