I feel a deep connection with the mountains. Living in the Northwest has given me the opportunity and privilege to explore large swaths of the Cascade range. Mountains are peaceful and powerful. I am struck by their splendor, size, and beauty. Massive giants that have been around for millions of years, slowly changing and evolving over time. Mostly in subtle, almost unseen ways, occasionally in violent eruptions, powerful landslides and avalanches, or tragic glacial loss from climate change. 

I appreciate the rhythm of their seasonality, how safe passage is only possible in short windows. Streams and flowers emerge every spring only to become snow covered and hidden again the following fall.

As a hiker and mountaineer, my favorite moments come at the top of summits and mountain passes. Achieving a summit takes hard work and a sustained push. Summiting is never guaranteed, weather or exhaustion may force you to turn back.  Approaching the top, is a moment of anticipation, curiosity for what the other side will hold. Summits are awe inspiring offering views of both the ground just traveled as well as what lies ahead.

Summits are both a destination and, at the same time, only part of the journey.

All of this is a metaphor for therapy. Entering therapy is like traveling through the mountains. You are at the start of a challenging and rewarding adventure. Therapy takes work. Change is most often slow and gradual; occasionally rapid in a way that completely alters the existing landscape. Therapy is also a deeply rewarding journey with powerful experiences along the way and views from the other side that are more incredible then we could ever imagine.