by | Feb 18, 2025 | Blog

From Struggle to Strength—The Power of Recognizing Your Own Potential:

One of the most transformative shifts that can happen in therapy is moving from focusing on perceived flaws and weaknesses to recognizing and accessing your strengths. Many people begin therapy riddled with self-doubt, believing they need to “fix” something about themselves. I have witnessed, over time, a remarkable change takes place in many of my patients—rather than pushing themselves to be different, many begin to realize their strengths and draw from them. This shift isn’t about forcing change; it’s about accessing inner resilience, resourcefulness, and capacities that are already there. Psychotherapy can help you accept yourself more fully––a strength in itself.

For example, perhaps you see yourself as “too sensitive.” You have spent years trying to toughen up, believing your emotions are a weakness. In therapy, you can begin to realize that your sensitivity is actually a strength—it allows you to connect deeply with others, be empathetic, and understand emotions in a way that many people struggle with. Instead of avoiding your feelings, you can embrace your sensitivities, and navigate life with greater emotional sustenance. I have experienced this again and again in my psychotherapy practice. Imagine what could change if you trusted your sensitivity rather than resisted it?

I also have worked with patients who second guess themselves. Believing they’re not smart or capable enough on some level, they second guess themselves and doubt their decisions, often seeking reassurance from others. Perhaps you can relate. Through therapy, you can begin to notice that your self-doubt isn’t proof of inadequacy—it may actually come from a deep sense of thoughtfulness and a desire to do well. Over time, with greater self awareness, you can learn to trust your judgment, recognizing that your careful consideration can be accessed as a strength rather than a flaw. Instead of seeking external validation as much, you can start making choices with more confidence, knowing you have the ability to handle what comes next even if it does not work out exactly as you envisioned. I have seen a number of patients move from struggles with self-doubts toward taking more risks.

Recognizing your strengths is not about ignoring your struggles—it’s about seeing that what you once viewed as a weakness may in fact, be your greatest power.. When you shift from self-doubt to self-trust, you open the door to deeper confidence and more fulfilling relationships.

What Clients Say

“I am so glad that I found Leslie! From day one, she has created a safe space where I felt understood, validated, and supported. She brings tremendous empathy and patience into our sessions, helping me to slow down and be curious about my own mind, rather than judging it. Working together has helped me to gain invaluable insights into my thought patterns and behaviors. Going to therapy has been so impactful in my life, and I will be forever grateful for the work we’ve done together.”

-R

“Leslie is a wonderful Psychotherapist and will help you work through issues in your life. Highly recommended.”

-E

You don’t have to be held back by self-doubts and struggles with self-esteem, anxiety, or relationship difficulties — and you don’t have to do it alone.