Progress is not a straight line

This is something that I tell clients often - that progress in therapy is not a straight line.  There are ups and downs, two-steps-forward-one-step-back kind of progression.  As you learn new coping skills, discover new things, gain more insight, and work hard in your therapy, the end result is reaching your goal at the top.  But it's typically not that straightforward - and that's OK - and normal.