The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant shifts in many areas of life, and the therapy space is no exception. Over the past few years, I’ve observed several key changes in how people approach therapy, mental health, and their relationships. Here are six things I’ve noticed:
People are generally seeking therapy more frequently.
One of the most noticeable trends is that more people are seeking therapy than ever before. The collective trauma and stress of the pandemic, along with the isolation many experienced, have made it clear that mental health support is crucial.Whether dealing with anxiety, depression, or simply the need to process their experiences, people are recognizing the importance of therapy as a part of their overall well-being.Therapy is no longer seen as a last resort but as a proactive step in maintaining overall well-being, as important and normalized as getting a haircut or heading to the dentist.
There is more freedom and normalization around conversations related to mental health,discussing therapy or being on medication.
To expand upon the first point, there seems to have been a noticeable shift toward more open and honest discussions about mental health. There generally seems to be less “hush” around mental health overall and people talk about therapy with pride. The pandemic has helped to normalize these conversations, breaking down the stigma that once surrounded topics like therapy and medication.
More frequent participation and consumption of social media (while having many pitfalls), has opened up a venue for people to speak about mental health and for people to know that others feel how they feel. It also saw more clinicians creating and putting out social media content. While we still need to be cautious about bad or misinformation, this has increased access to mental health content and conversations. People are generally more willing to talk about their struggles, share their experiences with therapy, and discuss their use of mental health medication. This shift has created a more supportive environment where seeking help is viewed as a positive and courageous decision, rather than something to be hidden.
Partner relationships come up more frequently and, for women especially, have begun to expect more from their partners.
Partner relationships have come under the microscope more frequently in therapy sessions, particularly as people have spent more time together in close quarters. Partners are spending more and more time together as flexible work and work from home jobs have become more accessible and common. Partners aren’t just seeing each other in the evening and on weekends. This closeness in proximity has highlighted pressure points for many couples in areas like home child care and rearing, organizing the family, and emotional connection/intimacy.
For many, there’s been a noticeable increase in discussions around domestic and emotional equity. Conversations about the mental load, boundaries, and expectations are no longer hidden in the shadows. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of emotional support and equitable sharing of responsibilities in relationships. Many partners are expressing a desire for deeper connection, fairness, and shared responsibility in their partnerships, leading to more conversations about boundaries, communication, and mutual respect.
People are more frequently digging deeper into issues like values, meaning, etc. Overall, questioning more, rather than focusing on daily stressors.
Another trend observed is that people are increasingly digging deeper into existential questions about values, meaning, and purpose. The pandemic has prompted many to reevaluate what truly matters in their lives. Instead of focusing solely on daily stressors, clients are questioning the bigger picture—what they want out of life, their relationships, and their careers. This shift towards introspection and self-exploration has led to richer, more meaningful therapy sessions, where the focus is on long-term fulfillment rather than just managing immediate stress.
Politics, geopolitical concerns, awareness of global issues, and political anxiety has come up more frequently.
Politics, geopolitical concerns, and awareness of global issues have become more prominent in therapy discussions, even among demographics where these topics might not have typically surfaced. The heightened political climate, coupled with the global impact of the pandemic, has led to increased anxiety and stress related to world events. Clients are bringing these concerns into therapy, seeking ways to cope with the uncertainty and tension that come with staying informed and engaged in a tumultuous world.
People’s willingness or ability to over schedule themselves seems to be reduced.
Finally, I’ve noticed that people’s tolerance for stress and their willingness or ability to over-schedule themselves has significantly decreased. The pandemic forced many to slow down and reassess their priorities, leading to a recognition that constant busyness isn’t sustainable or healthy. Clients are now often more mindful of their limits and more intentional about how they spend their time. What might have seemed like a typical day is one jam packed with too many activities. While this can be a challenging shift, people can experience guilt and shame for not wanting to or feeling able to maintain schedules like they used to, it has been accompanied with several positive impacts as well. This shift has led to an increased focus on self-care, setting boundaries, and finding balance in a world that often encourages overextension.
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