Why Healing Isn’t Linear — Insights From a Therapist Who’s Been There

What I’ve Learned as an Anxiety & Relationship Therapist: Michelle Pettengill, LCSW

Reflections on Healing, Presence, and Small Brave Steps

When I became a therapist, I thought my role would be about helping people “work through their stuff.”
What I didn’t realize was how deeply this work would change me.

Over the years, I’ve sat with people in moments of anxiety so strong they could barely take a deep breath. I’ve talked with couples who love each other deeply but feel miles apart. I’ve listened to stories of exhaustion, burnout, and the quiet thought so many carry:
"I should be able to handle this… but I can’t."

Healing Happens in the Messy Middle

If there’s one thing my clients have taught me, it’s that healing doesn’t happen in perfect, linear steps. It’s not a straight climb from “stuck” to “better.”
It happens in the messy middle—the place where life feels overwhelming, yet you still find the courage to try again.

It’s the moment you notice your shoulders drop after weeks of tension.
The night you actually fall asleep without your mind racing.
The conversation with your partner that doesn’t spiral into the same argument.

These aren’t small moments. They’re everything.

Presence Over Perfection

Being a therapist has taught me that presence matters more than perfection. My clients don’t need me to have all the answers—they need me to meet them exactly where they are.

Sometimes that means holding space for their grief, frustration, or fear.
Sometimes it means celebrating the tiniest win.
And sometimes it means holding hope for them until they can carry it themselves.

What This Means for You

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, burnout, or relationship challenges, know this: you don’t have to figure it out alone. Healing is possible—especially when you have someone walking beside you who can help you slow down, listen to your body, and take the next small, brave step.

You don’t have to wait for the “perfect” moment to start. Sometimes, the smallest step forward can open the biggest door.

If you’re ready to explore your next step, book a free consultation here.