Top 5 themes in our therapy sessions in 2024

What we heard and what it means for you.

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Over the past year, we’ve noticed recurring themes in the challenges and emotions our clients share. These moments of vulnerability highlight the universal nature of the human experience when it comes to health and mental health. As we step into 2025, we're sharing the five key things we’ve heard and exploring how we can move forward together with compassion and hope.

1. “I feel so alone in this struggle.”

Many people have shared feelings of isolation in their health and mental health challenges. Whether it’s managing a chronic illness, addressing weight concerns, or navigating anxiety and depression, the sense of being alone can feel overwhelming.

What it means: This loneliness often stems from the belief that others don’t understand or share the same struggles. Social media can amplify this, showing only the highlights of others’ lives while hiding the behind-the-scenes battles.

Encouragement: You are not alone. So many people face similar struggles, even if they don’t talk about them openly. Consider joining support groups, reaching out to friends, or connecting with a mental health professional. Sharing your journey can create bonds that remind you of your strength and resilience.

2. “I should be further along/doing better.”

Self-criticism is a frequent companion on the journey to change. Many clients express frustration about not making enough progress or achieving their goals as quickly as they’d like.

What it means: This frustration often reflects high expectations or a tendency to overlook small wins. When we focus solely on what’s left to achieve, we miss out on celebrating how far we’ve come.

Encouragement: Progress isn’t linear, and perfection isn’t the goal. Every step forward matters, no matter how small. Practice self-compassion by acknowledging your efforts and reminding yourself that growth takes time. Embrace the process as much as the outcome.

3. “I know what to do, but I just don’t do it.”

A common frustration we hear is the gap between what people know and what they do. Many people understand what steps they need to take to improve their health but struggle to follow through consistently.

What it means: For some, this disconnect arises from factors like stress, competing priorities, or feeling overwhelmed. For others, depression, anxiety, ADHD/executive dysfunction or disordered eating are contributing factors. No matter the cause, remember that behavioral change isn’t just about knowing the right steps—it’s about creating a realistic plan followed by habits, social support, and other systems that support that plan.

Encouragement: Start by identifying the barriers preventing action and addressing them one at a time. Be patient with yourself and focus on building small, sustainable habits. Remember, progress often starts with one manageable change at a time.

4. “I’m scared I’ll always feel this way.”

Fear about the future often emerges during difficult moments. Clients worry that their struggles with mental health, physical health, or caregiving responsibilities will persist indefinitely.

What it means: These fears stem from the uncertainty of change and the exhaustion of prolonged challenges. It’s hard to imagine a brighter future when you’re in the thick of it.

Encouragement: Change is possible. While it may not happen overnight, small, consistent steps can create significant shifts over time. Remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Therapists, coaches, and support networks, like us at HPP, are there to guide you through the tough times.

5. “I don’t know where to start.”

When faced with multiple challenges, many people feel paralyzed by the sheer weight of it all. The question of where to begin can feel daunting.

What it means: This overwhelm often results from trying to tackle too much at once. It’s tempting to aim for a complete transformation, but that’s rarely sustainable.

Encouragement: Start small. Pick one area to focus on and break it into manageable steps. Whether it’s drinking more water, taking short walks, or setting aside five minutes for mindfulness, small changes can build momentum and lead to bigger shifts.

As we reflect on these insights from 2024, one thing is clear: The path to better health and well-being is not a solitary one. It’s a shared journey filled with challenges and triumphs, frustration and hope. If any of these themes resonate with you, know that you are seen, heard, and supported. Let’s make 2025 a year of compassion, connection, and meaningful progress—one step at a time.

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Photo by Dom J: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-notebook-and-yellow-pencil-45718/