The Science and Art of Change

The Science and Art of Change

Madison Longchamp, MS, LPC

Change pretty much sums up the reason anyone seeks out therapy. It can be terrifying, exciting, sought after or avoided. It is probably the most certain thing in life, but also seems to be the least understood. So, in the context of therapy, what does change look like? I’ll sum up some truths about change based on how our brains work (the science) and also the way we can make sense of that and use it to support the change we want (the art). 

Change takes time. A lot of time. Change takes time because it requires unlearning old patterns and building new ones. Our minds and habits don’t shift overnight—they need repetition, adjustment, and patience. Real transformation settles in gradually, not suddenly. Even when I think of my own experiences in therapy, it is often months and months before I actually feel the effect of something I’ve been focusing on. Even if we have a few “A-ha” moments that seem pivotal, it takes time for our mind, body, and feelings time to catch up and align with the change. 

Change is not linear. Two steps forward and one step back is progress, even though it might not feel like it. Any time we are learning and growing, we are going to have moments when we feel like “Yes, I’ve got this!” and moments when it feels like “This will never change.” That’s normal. If you watch a toddler learning to walk, one minute they will take off with confidence and great balance. The next, they're falling all over themselves. All growth is like this. It accelerates, stalls, and sometimes reverses as people adapt and systems realign.

Change is not something you can force by working harder. Sure, we want you to put in the effort. Think flowing down a river while paddling and steering to the edge rather than fighting and fighting against the current to try to get there sooner. It’s okay to not get there as fast as you’d like. In fact, you won’t get there as fast as you’d like. So, take a break when needed, embrace the small wins, and take care of yourself so you can keep going. 

When you’re putting in the work, change comes. Don’t get discouraged. Or, be discouraged, but keep going. As therapists, we see change happening a lot sooner than you do. We notice that slight difference in how you talked about that situation or yourself. We notice the shift in your demeanor, the shift in how you’re talking to others and yourself. You are doing it. You just can’t see it yet. If you’re not sure, ask. We’re happy to point out those shifts and celebrate them with you.  

Change isn’t always what you picture. 

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a conversation with a client about this. When you begin therapy, we are asking you to have a blind faith in the process, in the science and art of change. Just know, our faith in this is backed by hundreds of stories like yours. We’ve seen people doubt the process, feel discouraged, back track, feel stuck, but eventually arrive at true, sustainable change if they stick with it and have a little trust in the process and themselves. 

If you want to begin moving in the right direction, reach out to us. We can help.