In this closing segment of his mental health Q&A with KOMO News, Justin Pere of Clarity Counseling Seattle reflects on the deeper opportunities that come with hardship—especially the potential for resilience, growth, and meaningful transformation.
Resilience Isn’t About Toughness. It’s About Growth.
We’re biologically wired to respond to uncertainty with fear, worry, and hypervigilance. And in times of disruption—whether global or personal—those ancient mammalian instincts can take over. That’s normal. But it’s not the only path forward.
In this video, Justin invites viewers to take an “athletic stance” toward the unknown: not braced in fear, but grounded, nimble, and curious. What if we moved through challenge not just aiming to survive—but to evolve?
Key Ideas from This Reflection:
- Don’t pathologize fear—normalize it. It’s a natural biological reaction, not a personal failure.
- Old coping mechanisms may no longer serve you. If you're feeling disoriented, it may be time to trade survival-mode habits for new practices rooted in connection, reflection, and intentionality.
- Shift your mindset from “getting through this” to “growing through this.” Ask yourself: “Who am I being called to become through this challenge?”
- Your mental health practices and relational rituals matter. Whether it’s breathwork, journaling, couples therapy, or creating new family routines—these tools can restore your sense of control and meaning.
Questions to Explore in Therapy or Self-Reflection
- What would it mean for me to grow through this season, not just survive it?
- How can I show up more fully in my marriage, intimate relationship, or relationship with myself?
- What parts of me are being invited to soften, strengthen, or awaken?
- How might this be an initiation into a wiser version of who I am?
This moment, however uncertain or uncomfortable, may be calling us back to what really matters: kindness, compassion, presence, and meaning. In that sense, it can be a powerful mirror for growth—not just for individuals, but for couples, families, and communities.
Online Counseling in Seattle, WA
Whether you’re looking for support with anxiety, stress, relationship issues, or personal growth, we’re here to help. Online therapy at Clarity Counseling Seattle offers safe, skilled support wherever you are in Washington.
Schedule a free consultation or call (206) 910-1218 today. Let’s explore how therapy can help you grow through what you’re going through.