The world has gradually accepted that psychotherapy isn’t synonymous with weakness; rather, it is a way to let go of what wears us out so that we can improve our well-being. One of the hardest parts of beginning therapy is finding a therapist that clicks with us,and, once the search is over, we can finally start looking forward to attending our sessions. But that chemistry sometimes doesn’t last. Here are some key signs that you should consider switching your therapist as soon as you possibly can.
You feel stuck
Although you might not see immediate or meaningful changes when you begin therapy, a healthy and effective patient-therapist relationship achieves positive results. However, life isn’t static; and your needs of today are not the same as tomorrow’s. This means that the advice you’re getting from your psychologist may not be the one you need anymore. So, if you feel your treatment is no longer progressing, it may be time to consider switching therapists.
They tell you what to do
Therapy should be a safe place where you can become vulnerable in exchange for guidance; and therapists function as our guides to understanding our emotions. This means that they should point you in the right path. What they cannot do is tell you what to do. This unethical action defeats the purpose of therapy because you won’t be learning from your personal experiences. Furthermore, it is a mechanism for your doctor to push their own values or beliefs on you.
Your therapist encourages you to blame others for your problems
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), accountability is the extent to which an individual is answerable to another for his or her behaviors and decisions. Taking personal accountability is necessary for improving our relationships and for personal growth. So, if your therapist doesn’t help you take personal accountability and, instead, constantly blames other people for your problems, it’s time to move on.
Your therapist is unreliable
Consistency is key in therapy; and this goes both ways. Although it’s important for you to show up regularly to your appointments, it’s pivotal that your therapist shows interest in your progress too. Unexpected events do occur; but if your doctor is frequently canceling sessions, showing up late to your appointments, interrupting your appointments by taking an inordinate amount of calls, or simply missing in action, his or her lack of professionalism will most certainly affect your progress in some way.
Your therapist is overly familiar or too impersonal
While your therapist may seem like a cool person, remember that he or she is not your friend. In fact, it is unethical for them to treat friends because the patient-therapist relationship is supposed to be one sided. This kind of relationship allows the patient to open up to the therapist in a safe space and without fear of judgement. Similarly, if you feel your therapist is too detached or think that he or she isn’t listening to you, it’s best to look for a therapist that makes an effort in getting to know you for the sake of helping you grow.
Going to therapy should serve an individual purpose for patients. No matter which mental health condition you’re treating, if any, your therapist should be able to guide you in the right direction to achieve mental and emotional wellbeing. But if you no longer feel the sparks in that relationship, it’s better to search for a healthier match.