Why Harry Styles Coming Back Feels Like a Collective Exhale
Written by Emily Vasseur, LCPC
For therapists and clients alike, the past year has felt heavy. Between political shifts, ongoing uncertainty, and increasing stress around insurance and access to care, many people have named the same feeling in session: things feel dark. As therapists, we’re trained to hold space and offer steadiness and perspective. Yet in supervision, I’ve heard colleagues say, “People look to us for answers, and honestly, I don’t have them either.” It has been an emotional year to witness and to live inside. And then, on January 15, something unexpected happened. When Harry Styles announced a new album coming March 6, a collective exhale seemed to ripple across social media. Suddenly, posts appeared joking that “Harry Styles is coming to save the world,” or that his return felt like light breaking through a long winter. It wasn’t really about a pop album. It was about relief, familiarity, and the comfort of something good to look forward to.
Music is one of the things that still brings us together. For some, it is an escape. For others, it is a form of expression. At times, it becomes a coping strategy. Music is a universal art, one that connects people in a world where connection can feel increasingly scarce. Not everyone listens to Harry Styles, and that is okay. We all have different tastes, and that diversity is part of what makes music meaningful. We do not need to judge what others enjoy in order to feel connected. We can respect that we like different things while still sharing the same human experience of finding comfort, meaning, and regulation through sound. During difficult times, many of us turn to music because it offers something familiar, grounding, and emotionally accessible when words fall short.
From a neuroscience perspective, music has a direct impact on how our nervous system functions. Rhythm, melody, and familiarity can help regulate heart rate, breathing, and emotional arousal. When we listen to music that feels safe or familiar, the brain often interprets it as a cue that danger has passed, allowing the nervous system to settle. For many people, music activates reward pathways in the brain and supports emotional processing in ways that feel accessible and non-threatening. This is part of why certain songs can feel calming, energizing, or even stabilizing during moments of stress. Music does not remove the stressors we are facing, but it can help our bodies feel more regulated while we navigate them.
There is also something powerful about experiencing music collectively. When an artist releases new music or announces a return, it creates a shared moment that people experience together, even if they are physically apart. In a time when many feel isolated, these moments can remind us that we are not alone in our reactions, emotions, or hopes. Shared excitement, anticipation, and joy help soften the sense of disconnection that has become so common. This collective response is not about idolizing a single artist. It is about the human need for shared experiences and the comfort that comes from feeling part of something larger than ourselves.
In therapy, we often talk about regulation as a foundation for healing. When the nervous system feels overwhelmed, it becomes harder to think clearly, reflect, or access hope. Moments of joy, familiarity, and connection are not distractions from the work. They are part of what makes the work possible. Music can act as a bridge in this way. It gives the body a chance to settle, even briefly, which allows space for emotions to be processed rather than avoided. In difficult seasons, allowing ourselves to experience joy through music is not indulgent or dismissive of pain. It is a way of supporting the nervous system so we can continue showing up, both in therapy and in our everyday lives.
Personally, one of my favorite ways of feeling connected to Harry Styles is through the culture he creates around “Treat People With Kindness.” The song has become a space where many people share personal stories, including coming out and processing grief, and connect with him in meaningful ways. I went to a concert in Los Angeles and was lucky enough to experience the love and support he exudes firsthand. During “Treat People With Kindness,” he is often seen dancing around the stage carrying pride flags, bringing humor, warmth, and genuine care to the performance, creating a sense of safety that is rare to find in these moments. Styles frequently acknowledges his fans’ energy and support and expresses how grateful he is for the environment they help make together, suggesting that the kindness at his shows is a shared experience born from both him and the community around him.
Harry once said, “Fill up your own cup, and let them fall in love with the overflow.” He said it so simply while teaching a fan how important it was to focus on self‑care and personal well‑being. After a tour of two years, he took a three‑year hiatus following nonstop touring and creative output, one of the most demanding schedules any artist has undertaken in recent memory. It makes sense that during this time away from the spotlight he would take his own advice, tending to his own needs and allowing space to rest, reflect, and create again. Though some may think Harry and other artists are just creating music, they are often expressing and teaching valuable lessons about resilience, healing, and self‑connection. Their art becomes more than entertainment. It becomes part of how many of us understand our own emotional landscapes.
One of the most powerful parts of Harry Styles’ impact isn’t just the music itself, but the way people respond to it. Fans often share how his songs, performances, or messages have helped them process difficult emotions, feel less alone, or find a moment of joy in challenging times. Here are just a few examples of what people have said about how Harry has touched their mental health:
“Harry’s music showed up for me when I didn’t know how to show up for myself.”
“Listening to his songs makes the world feel a little less heavy.”
“His music helped me feel understood when I didn’t have the words.”
“There were days his songs were the only thing that brought me comfort.”
“I didn’t realize how much I needed joy until I felt it again at his concert.”
Music is more than entertainment. It is a bridge to connection, a tool for processing emotions, and a reminder that joy and safety can exist even during difficult times. Harry Styles’ return and the culture he fosters show us how collective care, kindness, and creativity can touch our mental health in real ways. Whether it’s finding comfort in a favorite song, witnessing the support of a fan community, or simply allowing yourself to enjoy something that brings light, these experiences matter. They remind us that taking care of ourselves, showing kindness, and engaging with what brings us joy are not frivolous — they are essential. So the next time a song moves you, a performance lifts you, or a message resonates, notice it. Let yourself feel it. That is part of how we heal, connect, and move forward.
Respecting Your Time (and Mine): Why Therapy Has Cancellation Fees
Why Therapy Has Cancellation & No-Show Fees
Have you ever wondered why therapy has cancellation or no-show fees? Or felt unsure or even frustrated when one comes up? I completely understand — these fees can feel confusing, and it’s normal to have a range of emotions about them. They aren’t about punishment or judgment. Instead, they’re here to protect the time, energy, and progress of both you and your therapist. My goal is to create a space where you feel supported, heard, and clear about how appointments and scheduling work, so you can focus on your growth instead of worrying about logistics.
Consistency Matters
Therapy works best when we can meet regularly, but I also get that life is unpredictable and sometimes things come up. Missing a session isn’t a failure — it’s just a pause in the process. Think of therapy like learning a new skill or training for a race: each session builds on the last. When we meet consistently, progress feels smoother and more steady. Even if a session is missed, the work we’ve done together still matters, and we can pick up where we left off. Everyone’s life is different, and unexpected events happen — what matters is how we work together to keep the momentum going.
Why Fees Exist
When you schedule a session, that time is reserved just for you. It’s your space to be seen, heard, and supported, and I’m also preparing mentally and emotionally to make that time as meaningful as possible.
As therapists, we don’t always love talking about money, and I know it can feel uncomfortable. I’ve even heard people say, “If you’re in it to help people, you shouldn’t charge these fees,” and I understand why that sentiment exists. But the truth is, this is a hard job — emotionally, mentally, and even physically. We love what we do and the work we get to share with you, but like anyone else, we deserve to be paid for our time and expertise. We only get paid when we see a client, which is one of the reasons these fees exist: to protect the dedicated time we set aside for you and to keep the schedule fair so that everyone who needs support can access it.
A Perspective You Can Relate To
Sometimes it helps to put it into perspective with an example. Imagine going to work for eight hours, fully showing up and giving your energy, but only getting paid for seven because something came up or someone didn’t show. That’s essentially what some people expect therapists to do — to be fully present, emotionally invested, and prepared, but not compensated if a session is missed. Cancellation and no-show fees exist to prevent that from happening. They ensure that the time, energy, and care we dedicate to each session are respected. It’s not about punishing anyone — it’s about honoring the work and the commitment we both make in therapy.
How Fees Support Your Growth
Understanding these fees is also part of how therapy works best for you. When sessions are consistent and the time we set aside is respected, it helps you stay invested in the process and get the most out of our work together. Fees aren’t about punishment — they’re about creating a structure that supports your growth. When you do show up, we can give you our full attention, energy, and care.
Communication & Flexibility
The simplest way to avoid cancellation or no-show fees is clear communication. Life happens, and sometimes emergencies or unexpected events come up — that’s completely understandable. Letting me know as soon as possible if you need to reschedule or cancel a session helps protect your time, your progress, and the schedule for other clients who may need support. Giving adequate notice allows us to adjust without disrupting the momentum we’ve built together, and it keeps your therapy consistent while respecting everyone’s time.
I sometimes waive a cancellation fee the first time it happens as a way to offer empathy, support, and a chance to talk through the policies. After that, fees stay in place, because honoring these boundaries ensures that I can continue showing up fully for you — just as you show up and respect the time and energy we share in our sessions.
Therapy is a Partnership
At the end of the day, therapy is a partnership. These policies exist to help both of us get the most out of your sessions. They’re not about punishment — they’re about honoring your time, your progress, and the commitment you’ve made to yourself. If you ever have questions about fees or scheduling, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m happy to talk it through, and we can always find solutions that make sense for your situation. My goal is to make therapy accessible, effective, and supportive every step of the way, so that you feel seen, heard, and supported throughout the process.
Why Going to Therapy is A Strength, Not A Weakness
Written by Emily Vasseur, LCPC
People start therapy for a variety of different reasons, all deeply personal and individual. Some come for reasons like burnout, stress, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life. Others seek therapy during times of relationship changes, major life transitions, or a desire for a deeper understanding of themselves. Still others begin therapy because they are struggling with trauma, addiction, or ongoing mental health challenges. Regardless of the reason for starting therapy, all experiences—big, small, and in between—are valid and worthy of support. I often hear in first sessions that people had put off going to therapy because they never thought their issues were “big enough.” I often respond with reassurance and validation that there is no threshold of suffering required to deserve support. If something is impacting a person’s life, it matters.
Someone who comes to therapy does not have to be in crisis. In fact, as therapists, we often encourage people to seek support earlier rather than waiting until things feel too overwhelming. There are many different levels of care ranging from inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient therapy. Here at Mountain View Wellness, we provide outpatient care. Outpatient is the least restrictive setting as we see people up to twice a week in order to ensure that we are meeting your needs appropriately. We like to see therapy as something that is both preventative and supportive. People come to us with issues they are struggling with and acknowledge they need support in managing. I often tell clients that they are fully in control of their therapy, we simply help them to develop the map to guide them during their journey. During that journey, we walk together as a treatment team to grow, gain insight, and implement strategies to uncover strengths, overcome challenges, and create meaningful change.
As a trauma specialist, I work with clients who have experienced a wide range of difficult or painful experiences—some that are obvious and life-changing, and others that may seem smaller but still have a big impact over time. Almost everyone has had some sort of traumatic experience in their life and it’s completely normal and typical to feel the need for support during that time. As therapists, we have the unique privilege of helping people with emotional regulation, patterns in relationships, anxiety, stress, trauma, confidence, and self-esteem. We often feel so appreciative that clients trust not just us, but themselves enough to open up and share some of their deepest and darkest moments with us. It’s truly a compliment.
When someone asks me what signs might be that it’s time for therapy, I often tell them that it looks different for everyone. Some people may feel completely isolated and shut down and others may just be starting to feel rundown with whatever life is throwing at them. I often describe it as a spectrum, where the intensity can shift up or down depending on the person and the moment. Sometimes, we all experience challenges that weigh on us, and noticing these patterns can be an important first step toward understanding ourselves better. You don’t need to have a crisis to benefit from support—simply recognizing areas where life feels heavier than usual can be enough reason to reach out.
Here are a few signs you might consider reflecting on, not as a diagnosis, but as gentle prompts for self-awareness:
Self-Reflection Checklist:
☐ Do I often feel emotionally drained or exhausted?
☐ Do I notice myself repeating the same challenges or patterns in life?
☐ Do I avoid certain situations or emotionally “shut down” to cope?
☐ Do I struggle to manage my emotions in ways I’d like?
If you find yourself checking one or more of these boxes, it doesn’t mean something is “wrong”—it simply might be helpful to explore these feelings with a trained professional who can support you in navigating them.
Therapy can be a tool for personal growth. It can help people that may not even be thinking that there is something “going wrong” in their lives, but rather want a “tune up.” It can help people to increase their self-awareness, learn how to implement or respect boundaries, communicate more effectively, or gain a stronger sense of identity. Your therapist will work with you to help you identify where that map needs to lead.
Another question I often get asked is “What happens in therapy?” While there will be another article on what the first session may look like, I will give you some idea of what therapy is and is not. Therapy is not being judged, forced to talk, or fixed. Therapy is individualized and is not only vastly different for each person, but may also be different from session to session. I often structure sessions with a brief check in, review of any homework, processing, and then we end the session with setting goals for the time between sessions. A typical therapy session is a safe, confidential space where you can talk about what’s on your mind, explore your feelings, and work on challenges with guidance from a trained professional. Sessions often include conversation, reflection, and practical strategies tailored to your needs. Refer to our earlier post about how to find the right fit for you.
Therapy is a tool for anyone who wants support, growth, or a safe space to reflect—whether you’re facing a challenge, navigating change, or simply looking to better understand yourself. Reaching out doesn’t mean something is “wrong”; it means you’re taking an active step in caring for your mental and emotional well-being. No matter where you are in your journey, therapy can provide guidance, insight, and strategies to help you move forward with confidence and clarity. If you’ve been thinking about therapy, know that it’s never too early—or too small—to start.