Insightful Tuesday: Is "Over-Therapy" a Thing? When Healing Turns Into Avoidance
In a world where therapy is more accessible and accepted than ever before, we celebrate this shift toward mental wellness. But here’s a question that might make you pause:
Can we rely too much on therapy?
Before you scroll away—hear us out. At Serene Pathways, we believe in the power of therapy. But just like anything else, when taken to an extreme, even healing practices can become a crutch. There’s a fine line between processing and overprocessing. Between reflection and rumination.
And sometimes... therapy becomes a safe space to avoid real-life action.
The Modern Obsession with "Healing"
In recent years, the mental health conversation has expanded beautifully. We're encouraged to look within, set boundaries, and prioritize our peace. But what happens when we begin using therapy as an excuse to stay stuck?
✔️ “I can’t be in a relationship right now, I’m working on myself.”
✔️ “I’m not ready for that promotion; I still have unresolved trauma.”
✔️ “I can’t trust anyone—I’m still healing from my past.”
These statements can be completely valid... or they can be masks for fear, avoidance, and inaction.
The problem isn’t therapy—it’s how we use it.
Healing ≠ Avoiding Responsibility
Sometimes, real growth requires us to leave the therapy chair and step into uncomfortable but necessary life experiences. Growth can’t always be perfectly planned in 60-minute sessions. Life doesn’t always wait for your next appointment.
Healing is messy. And often, it needs to happen in real time—through heartbreak, setbacks, conflict, and yes, even mistakes.
💚 Insight: The goal of therapy isn’t to stay in therapy forever. It’s to equip you with the tools to live, not hide.
But Isn’t All Healing Good?
Healing becomes unhelpful when it morphs into:
🔁 Endless introspection without action
❌ Avoiding responsibility by blaming "unhealed trauma"
🧠 Intellectualizing emotions without feeling them
⏳ Waiting to feel 100% ready before trying anything new
You don't need to be completely healed to take up space, build a relationship, or chase your dreams. Sometimes, healing happens as you go—through courage, not just reflection.
The Role of a Great Therapist
At Serene Pathways, we support the healing journey at your pace, but we’ll also gently challenge you when healing becomes hiding.
✨ That’s why we created our Free Mental Wellness Workbook—to help you reflect, grow, and most importantly, act between sessions. You don’t have to wait for “someday.” Your healing can start today.
💚 What do you think? Can therapy sometimes become a comfort zone?
Let’s talk about it. Send us a message. Your voice matters.
📍 Visit us: 11800 Central Ave, Suite 225, Chino, CA 91710
📞 Call us today: 909-591-5085
❤️ IEHP Members – Support is available!
📧 Email: Stuartkaplowitz@serenepathways.com
📲 Facebook: Serene Pathways Counseling
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