Yes, the whole darkest before dawn and light at the end of the tunnel images apply, I found. You have to wade through the swamp if you want to get to the "other" side (where the ground is higher). I pictured my therapy as going through a large forest and often accidentally stepping off the path :-) My T was before me, showing the way or, sometimes behind me and trying to keep up with me (not good for me to be leader, I don't know where I'm going :-) but there's a quote I love, "the adventure doesn't begin until you get into the forest" that kept me going. Think of all the find-one's self stories/fairy tales where people go on quests; you have to do the whole thing.