Changing Therapists

Don’t be afraid to find a different therapist. Hear me out.

This topic is sometimes controversial in the mental health community, because there are people out there who switch therapists because they feel like they’re being told what to do, or they feel like their therapist isn’t telling them what they want to hear. Maybe those kinds of people just weren’t quite ready for that step yet, who knows.

In my situation, I’ve been going to my therapist for over a year. She has helped me a ton with talking things out and realizing I had my own answers, but was just too afraid to admit what the answers were. However, as I have progressed on this journey of healing, I find that I’m thirsty for more. I want to learn more coping skills. I want more guidance and less “talking it out with a friend” type of therapy. I feel like when you’ve reached that point, no matter how long you’ve been seeing your therapist, you have that right to seek out a new one. Or maybe perhaps you can find one that practices a different type of therapy, one you feel will benefit you and your goals even better.

My therapist has always practiced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and while it works for some, it hasn’t quite worked for me. When I found out about Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, I mentioned it to her and she encouraged me to dig deeper and see if that worked for me. It does. There’s just something about it that I feel is more involved that I love. I want to basically continue retraining my brain so that when situations arise in life, I have the tools to change my reactions.

My biggest issue is anger. I can go from 0 to 100mph in seconds, which I know is not healthy for me or my loved ones. Medication has helped a ton! But I definitely feel like I’ve reached a point in therapy where I need additional help, something more than what my therapist provides.

My point is, don’t feel locked in! Don’t feel like a prisoner of your own mental health journey. You have control of it. I know of several people who chose a therapist, realized after a few sessions that they weren’t a good fit, and found a different one that helped them progress. Research your options! Find out about all the types of therapy that exist out there, and find one you think works best for you and your personality or situations. Additionally, do not stop advocating for yourself! Mental illness is the same as any other ailment you would see a doctor for. Never be afraid to advocate for you and what you need.