Healing is rarely a straight path. It consists of slow forward movement, moments of hesitation, and sometimes, a quiet but persistent internal resistance. For many, healing isn't just about feeling better—it’s about increasing internal safety. And sometimes, the idea of getting better threatens what we’ve come to count on in ways that aren’t always obvious.

The Fear of What Comes Next
There’s a reality that isn’t talked about enough: Sometimes, people resist healing because they fear losing the support systems that have kept them afloat. When you've built a sense of stability around therapy, trusted providers, or even certain relationships, the thought of needing them less can feel like stepping into the unknown, all by yourself.

This fear makes perfect sense. If life has been marked by isolation or abandonment, the relationships built through healing—therapists, dietitians, mentors—become anchors. Even when someone is making progress, there can be an internal tug-of-war: If I get better, will I have to let go of these people? Will I have to rely only on myself?

For some, healing limbo becomes a place to linger. It’s that space where things have improved—trauma responses may be less overwhelming, coping skills may be stronger—but a full embrace of healing feels like too much. Moving forward might mean letting go of dynamics that once felt necessary for survival.

Healing Doesn’t Mean Isolation
Here’s the truth: Healing isn’t about moving forward alone. It’s about moving forward with the right people—people who match who you are becoming.

Yes, healing can shift relationships. The frequency of therapy sessions may decrease. The need for certain supports may fade. But that isn’t a loss—it’s a transformation. The goal was never to remain in perpetual support; the goal is to step into relationships that feel reciprocal, nurturing, and aligned with the person you are now.

Instead of thinking of healing as a door closing, what if it’s an opening? A shift from reliance on professionals to deeper, more reciprocal peer-level relationships. A transition from survival-based support to connection that reflects your growth and your right now needs.

Embracing Change, Not Resisting It
Change is always happening, whether we embrace it or not. Healing isn’t about reaching an endpoint where everything is perfect. It’s about continuously expanding into ourselves—learning, adapting, and allowing relationships to evolve alongside us.

If you’re feeling stuck in healing limbo, you’re not failing. You’re protecting something. But it might be time to ask yourself: What am I afraid will happen if I take the next step? And more importantly, what kind of support do I want in my life moving forward?

You are not meant to heal just to be alone. You are meant to heal into the person you were always meant to be—and in this wholeness and congruence, you will find relationships that honor you, exactly as you are.

And if comfort and connection feel especially important as you navigate this stage of healing, Hugimals can be a wonderful source of support. These weighted, scientifically-designed plush companions help soothe the nervous system and offer a sense of grounding. If you’d like one of your own, you can use code THEEMPOWEREDTHERAPIST for 15% off your order. Because healing doesn’t mean going without comfort—it means embracing what helps you feel safe along the way.

Thank you for letting me see you,