Change Takes Time: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
Written By: Tara Foytik, LMFT-IT
When people begin services at a clinic, it’s often because something feels hard, heavy, or urgent. Many clients hope for quick relief—and that hope makes sense. When you are struggling, it is natural to want things to feel better as soon as possible.
At our clinic, we believe in being honest and supportive about the process of change. Meaningful, lasting change is rarely a sprint. Instead, it is much more like a marathon—steady, intentional, and built over time.
Understanding the Change Process
Change does not happen in a straight line. There may be progress one week and setbacks the next. There may be moments of motivation followed by moments of doubt or frustration. This does not mean you are failing—it means you are human.
Growth often happens gradually. Small shifts in thinking, behavior, emotional awareness, or communication may not feel dramatic at first, but over time they add up to meaningful transformation. The change process asks for patience, compassion, and persistence.
Why Slow and Steady Matters
Quick fixes may bring short-term relief, but lasting change requires deeper work. Taking time allows space to:
Understand patterns rather than just symptoms
Build skills that can be used long after services end
Develop insight, self-awareness, and confidence
Practice new ways of coping in real-life situations
By moving at a sustainable pace, change becomes something that can be maintained—not something that fades once the initial momentum wears off.
What This Means for Your Care
In a marathon, pacing matters. In the same way, we work with clients to set realistic goals, celebrate progress, and adjust expectations along the way. Some sessions may feel powerful and energizing, while others may feel slower or more reflective. All of these moments are part of the process.
We also recognize that everyone’s journey is different. Your pace, goals, and timeline are unique to you. There is no single “right” way to grow—only the way that works best for your needs and circumstances.
Staying Encouraged Along the Way
It can be discouraging when change feels slow. During those moments, it helps to look back at where you started. Increased awareness, improved communication, healthier boundaries, or even recognizing challenges more clearly are signs of progress.
We encourage clients to focus on consistency rather than perfection. Showing up, staying engaged, and being open to the process matter far more than moving quickly.
Moving Forward Together
At our clinic, we walk alongside you for the long run. We are committed to supporting steady growth, honest conversations, and realistic expectations. Change takes effort, time, and trust—but it is possible.
When you approach your journey as a marathon rather than a sprint, you allow space for lasting progress, deeper understanding, and meaningful outcomes. One step at a time, those steps move you forward.
