What are the words therapists find themselves saying again and again? In a national Facebook group of therapists, someone recently asked this simple question: “What phrase do you say to clients most often?” The answers that followed were profound in their simplicity—truths honed over thousands of hours in the therapy room, resonant not just for clients, but for all of us navigating the human condition.
We decided to collect and share this compilation not just because it’s meaningful, but because it can be healing. These are the phrases that therapists across the country return to, again and again, to ground, reframe, support, and soothe. On their own, they might look simple. But when practiced with intention, they become powerful tools for growth.
These phrases may spark something in you, or serve as small guideposts on your own journey. Read through them slowly—and perhaps let one or two linger with you today:
- It’s neither good nor bad. It just is.
- Don’t go down the rabbit hole.
- You’re worthy of love and goodness.
- Breathe!
- Lean into the discomfort.
- Put your own oxygen mask on first.
- Good isn’t a feeling. What emotion are you really feeling?
- Multiple things can be true at once.
- Nothing changes if nothing changes.
- Is that fact or feeling?
- You are not obligated to accept the role others assign you.
- You are worthy.
- Would you rather be right or be happy?
- If you could, you would.
- Focus on what you can control.
- It’s so tough, not knowing.
- If you want to change someone else’s behavior, change your own.
- Try not to “should” all over yourself.
- Let them carry their own stuff.
- You can take off the cape now.
- You matter.
- It’s normal to feel that way.
- You’re doing the best you can.
- Your feelings are valid.
- Feelings are not facts.
- The only way out is through.
- Maybe it’s both-and.
- Where do you feel that in your body?
- Sit in the discomfort—just for a moment.
- Can you let it be okay not to know right now?
- Listen to your emotion. What is it trying to tell you?
- You don’t have to believe everything you think.
- You can only show up with your 50% of the relationship.
- FEAR: Face Everything And Recover.
- Treat yourself as kindly as you treat others.
- The core of who you are is love.
- Who can you control? Just you.
- All feelings are necessary.
- Grief comes in waves. Let yourself ride them.
- If only one person can be happy in this situation, let it be you.
- Does this actually belong to you?
- We don’t know what we don’t know… until we know it.
- You take care of you.
- Trust yourself.
- Be curious about what’s coming up.
- You are responsible for how you show up.
- Be gentle with yourself.
- Do something different to get something different.
- Fear may have something to teach you. Don’t run.
- Give yourself grace and space.
- How would you talk to someone you love who feels this way?
- We can’t rush healing.
- Progress, not perfection.
- You’re having a normal response to abnormal circumstances.
At Clarity Counseling Seattle, we know that transformation doesn’t always come from a dramatic breakthrough. Sometimes it comes from hearing just the right phrase at just the right time—and letting it land.
If any of these phrases hit home, they might be a signal that you’re ready for support, insight, or change. We’re here to help. Learn more about our work with individual therapy, couples counseling, or marriage therapy, or online counseling throughout Washington State.
Schedule a free consultation if you’re ready to explore what healing and clarity might look like for you.