What If Therapy Brings Up More Feelings?
(Spoiler: That’s Part of the Magic, Not a Sign You’re Failing)
You finally book the therapy session. You show up. You talk. You cry (maybe). You feel seen.
...and then?
You leave feeling... worse? Or raw? Or suddenly spiraling into thoughts you hadn’t considered in years?
First of all: this is so normal.
Sometimes, therapy stirs up more feelings before it settles them. It’s not because you’re doing it wrong - it’s because your nervous system is waking up, processing, and finally unpacking the stuff it’s been holding onto for a long time. Think of it like cleaning out a closet: things get messier before they get clearer.
Therapy Is a Tidal Process
Emotions don’t always move in a straight line. Sometimes you leave a session feeling lighter, sometimes heavier. That doesn’t mean therapy “isn’t working.” It often means it is.
Therapy is about more than feeling better right away. It’s about feeling more deeply, more honestly, more fully - and learning how to hold that experience with compassion instead of fear.
Why This Happens
Your brain is integrating new insights
You’re touching on emotions you’ve avoided
You’ve named something that was unspoken for years
You’re starting to feel safe enough to feel
All of that can feel intense at first - but that’s growth, not danger.
What to Do If You Leave a Session Feeling Raw
Drink water (seriously)
Do something grounding like journaling, walking, or drawing
Remind yourself: this is a process, not a performance
Text your future self a message like “You are safe, and this was brave”
Bring it into your next session: we can process the therapy about therapy!
Final Thoughts
Healing can feel uncomfortable. But discomfort doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means something is shifting.
If you’re noticing more feelings after therapy, that’s not a red flag. It’s a sign that your inner world is opening up. And I promise, we’ll walk through it together.
Ready to start? My online calendar is now open!
You can secure your session in just a few clicks through Jane.
If you’re curious but still have questions, feel free to send me a quick note. Otherwise, book your therapy session here.
I’m looking forward to meeting you, exactly where you are.