What Happens if My Therapist Is Not Working for Me?

We will all experience ups and downs throughout our lives. Life is unpredictable and can be overwhelming at times. As a result, there may be times when your mental health needs a little extra support and care. Participating in therapy can be an effective tool to help you learn the skills you need to navigate challenges smoothly. 

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can be a life-changing resource for many people. It can help you through struggles with mental health, dealing with trauma, and any other scenarios you may face. Expressing your thoughts and experiences out loud with a therapist can be an incredibly powerful tool. Talk therapy can help you gain insight into your thought and behavior patterns. Having a safe and non-judgmental place to express yourself is what talk therapy is all about.

A good therapist will be an ally for you whom you can rely on for help and support. They can help provide you with a fresh perspective which can lead to a better understanding of yourself. With the right therapist, you will be able to build self-confidence and navigate your relationships more easily.

Finding a therapist that is right for you can be a process. In any profession, there will be a lot of different approaches, specialties, and skill levels. The same can be said for therapists. Your therapy process will be much more beneficial if you find a therapist that you connect with. It is crucial to establish a mutual feeling of respect, trust, and confidence with your therapist. Sometimes a therapist may be good but still not the right fit for you, and that is okay. 

Signs You Haven’t Found the Right Fit for You

Healing and changing for the better will not always be comfortable processes. Sometimes your therapist is going to ask you to step outside your comfort zone in order to challenge established thoughts and behaviors. But in some cases, you might be feeling uneasy because you haven’t found the right therapist for you. 

When you have found a therapist that is a good fit, you will feel safe to be yourself. You should be able to express yourself in a very genuine and authentic way. Change can only happen when you can allow yourself to be vulnerable. If you don’t feel that way for any reason, it may be a sign you need to move on.

Another red flag is finding yourself feeling consistently worse after your sessions. If that is happening to you, ask yourself why. You could be dealing with uncomfortable issues. Learning and growing by being pushed out of your comfort zone is a normal part of the therapy process. If that is not the issue, there might be something else causing you to feel bad about your sessions. You should trust your intuition if you are feeling troubled. It may be time to make a change.

How to Transition to a New Therapist

It can be intimidating to make the transition to a new therapist. Here are some steps to help you get started:

#1 Identify Your Needs

One of the first things you can do is identify the needs you have that are not being met in your current therapy situation. If you can understand what is missing from your therapy experience then you will know what you are looking for from a new therapist. This will be helpful information to have when you are vetting new therapists. It is perfectly acceptable to explore more than one option so you can find the right fit for you. 

#2 Talk With Your Current Therapist 

The next step will be to tell your current therapist that you need to make a change and ask them to transfer your records to the new therapist. If you have a good relationship with your current therapist then you should have the discussion in person. They should remain professional and respect your decision. If you are not comfortable with your current therapist, you may choose to break this news in an email instead.   

#3 Keep a Few Things in Mind When You Switch 

Finally, as you begin the new journey with your new therapist, there are a couple of tips you should remember:

• Keep an open mind with your new therapist. They will have a fresh, new perspective on the things you are dealing with. 
• Avoid comparing therapists. Try to avoid this as much as possible, as it is important to dodge expectations that might carry over from your last experience. 
• Relationships take time. Remember that a good connection with a therapist will take time and vulnerability to develop, so trust yourself and the process. 

No matter where you are in your journey to better yourself through therapy, remember that your thoughts and feelings are important. You have the right to expect that your needs will be met. When you are participating in therapy, you are working on improving your mental health. You deserve to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with to support you every step of the way. 

Therapy should be a safe and comfortable place where you can work through any challenges you may be facing. You should be completely secure in being your authentic self and exploring what makes you who you are. If you are not getting everything you want out of therapy, you may consider making a change. At Alter Wellness Care, we can guide you through the process of deciding what you need from therapy and guide you to find the services that fit your needs. Our compassionate team of experts strives to provide the best care to every client we serve. Call us at (866) 311-3510 to find out how Alter Wellness Care can provide you with the support you need.