Feeling Stuck? How to Move Past a Dilemma and Make a Confident Decision

angelica esposito
May 18
3 min read

Have you ever felt paralyzed by a decision? You go back and forth, analyzing every angle, hoping that the “right” choice will become clear—but it never does. Whether you’re facing a relationship dilemma, a career move, or a personal transition, that feeling of being stuck can bring anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion.

Feeling Stuck? How to Move Past a Dilemma and Make a Confident Decision by Angelica Esposito | EMDR Therapy in Burlington and across Ontario

As a therapist in Burlington specializing in life transitions, trauma, and anxiety, I often work with people who are caught in this very experience. Some are newcomers adjusting to life in Canada, others are navigating changes in relationships or career paths, and many are simply trying to reconnect with their values after a challenging season.

If this sounds like you, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

Why Is It So Hard to Make a Decision?

When we’re in a dilemma, we often think we need more information to move forward. But more often, what we need is emotional clarity. Fear of making the wrong choice—of regretting it later, disappointing others, or losing control—can keep us in a cycle of avoidance.

In my online therapy sessions across Ontario, I help clients identify what’s really driving the indecision. Often it’s not just about the options in front of them, but the deeper emotions underneath: fear, guilt, grief, or a sense of inadequacy.

What Helps Us Move Forward?

You may not feel “ready” to choose—but action often creates clarity. Here are four strategies that have helped my clients, especially those dealing with anxiety, trauma, or major life transitions:

Clarify Your Core Values

Instead of asking “What should I do?” try asking “What matters most to me here?” Is it honesty? Connection? Stability? Your values can guide you even when outcomes are uncertain.

Use Your Imagination as a Compass

Imagine fully stepping into each option—what would your daily life look like? How would you feel emotionally, physically, relationally? This is something we often explore during EMDR sessions to process emotional blocks.

Ask What’s Workable, Not What’s Perfect

There may not be a “perfect” choice, but there is often a workable one. What option feels manageable and aligned with who you are today?

Trust in Your Capacity to Adapt

No decision is final. You can pivot, change, grow. Therapy can help you build the confidence and emotional resilience to do just that.

Therapy Can Help You Break the Loop

At AE Therapy, I offer Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, trauma-informed therapy, Narrative Therapy, and EMDR for individuals who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from their own needs and voice. I work with clients in-person in Burlington, and virtually across Ontario, supporting those who are navigating uncertainty, recovering from trauma, or adjusting to a new chapter in life.

Whether you’re a newcomer to Canada, coping with a major life transition, or simply feeling emotionally stuck, therapy can provide the space to pause, reflect, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.