Time for a New Therapist

Is It Time for a New Therapist?
When seeking guidance from a therapist, it is important that you feel comfortable and secure. And while building this relationship can take time, you should never feel “stuck” in the process. Here are 6 general guidelines to use in evaluating whether your therapist is the right fit:
  1. Progress
    A good therapist will collaborate with you to establish goals and help you progress towards those goals. Ask yourself if your therapist checks in with you to see how things are going andif you are progressing. If you think your treatment plan needs to be tweaked, the therapist should work with you to make the necessary changes
  2. Active listening
    A good therapist will let you finish your thoughts and confirm that they understood either by re-wording what you said or by asking you to clarify something. Good listening leads to proper guidance.
  3. Validation
    A therapist might not agree with everything you say, but they should validate your emotions and your thoughts. Do you trust them with your inner thoughts and struggles? Or, instead,do you say what you think your therapist wants to hear? If your therapist is a good fit for you, you will likely feel comfortable sharing without fear of judgment.
  4. Experience
    It is common for therapists to specialize in the management of specific diagnoses. And while there are many qualified professionals who could likely assist you, if you feel your therapist lacks experience with your condition, consider finding someone new.
  5. Therapeutic Approach
    Some therapists prefer an active approach to therapy and offer exercises, tools and techniques to overcome the struggle. Others are more passive, and through talk or guided therapy, direct you to find solutions from within. Both have their place in mental health management, however, you may find you prefer one over the other.
  6. Relief
    While therapy can be uncomfortable, as time progresses you should feel a sense of relief. If you repeatedly feel frustrated or angry after your sessions, consider learning more about other mental health professionals.
If you have concerns about the therapy you are receiving, it is a good idea to communicate with your therapist. If accommodations cannot be made, consider reaching out to Relief to identify if meeting with a new therapist is the right decision. Remember, it may take time to find the right therapist and Relief can help you on this journey.