Why Growth Is My Word for 2026: A Therapist’s Year in Review

As this year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude—for the clients who trusted me with their stories, the growth of my practice, and the lessons that continue to shape me as both a therapist and a human being.

Gratitude is more than a feel-good concept; it’s a grounding practice. Taking time to acknowledge what has gone well—especially in a world that often feels overwhelming—helps us build resilience, perspective, and hope. This year reminded me just how powerful that practice can be.

Celebrating Two Years of Making Waves Counseling and Wellness

One of the highlights of this year was celebrating Making Waves Counseling and Wellness’ 2nd birthday. What started as a vision rooted in compassion, authenticity, and meaningful change has grown into a space where healing, self-discovery, and growth are truly honored.

Every client, collaborator, and supporter has helped shape this practice into what it is today. I’m incredibly thankful for the community that continues to “make waves” by choosing growth, vulnerability, and intentional living.

Expanding Access to Care and Support

This year also brought meaningful expansion. In an effort to make therapy more accessible, I became paneled with Ambetter, allowing more individuals and families to receive care without added financial stress. Access matters, and I remain committed to meeting people where they are—both emotionally and practically.

This year alone, I spent nearly 60,000 minutes in therapy sessions, collaborating with clients on meaningful goals that support long-term emotional well-being and more fulfilling lives. I’m deeply thankful for the clients who chose to work with me and who continued to prioritize their mental health, even when the process felt challenging.

In addition to therapy services, I also began working with consulting clients, supporting:

• Small business owners seeking healthier, more balanced lives

• Therapists and helpers looking to prevent burnout and reconnect with purpose

• Professionals who want to live happier, more values-aligned lives

  
  

Watching clients grow not only personally but professionally has been one of the most rewarding parts of this year.

Looking Ahead: My Word for 2026 Is Growth

As I look toward 2026, the word that continues to resonate with me is growth. I want to continue to grow as a therapist to help others live a life that feels emotionally rich and grounded. Growth to me means investing time in education to better serve my clients, expanding my reach and narrowing down my niche even further.

In that spirit, I’m excited to share that next year, Making Waves Counseling and Wellness will offer Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). This advanced trauma-informed approach will allow us to support clients in processing distressing experiences in a way that is efficient, empowering, and compassionate.

An Invitation to Begin (or Continue) Your Healing Journey

If you’ve been considering therapy, consultation, or simply a space to reflect and grow, I want you to know that you’re not alone and you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin.

Growth starts with awareness. Healing starts with connection. And sometimes, the bravest step is simply reaching out.

As we move into a new year, my hope is that you give yourself permission to grow at your own pace, honor what you’ve survived, and remain open to what’s possible.

With gratitude,

Making Waves Counseling and Wellness