Therapy is just like any other relationship.
You need to feel a connection and a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, or it just doesn’t work. When you choose a therapist, you have to feel that connection, or you can’t reap the full benefits of your relationship. Further, it can take time to realize things just aren’t going the way you hoped.
Although it might seem you are “stuck” with your therapist after investing time and money in your therapy, the truth is you can break up with your therapist if you’re not realizing the value.
Today, we offer advice on how to end treatment.
Confirm the Relationships Should End
Therapy is a process, so you won’t see results after one session.
However, sometimes you know right away things have to end. Since therapy is about honesty and trust, if you can’t voice your concerns about the treatment and approach, chances are you won’t be able to share your most intimate thoughts.
Signs you should break up with your therapist include:
- You don’t feel safe or comfortable sharing your true feelings
- You don’t feel your needs are being met
- You feel like you are being interrogated at your sessions instead of becoming more aware of your feelings
- You feel you are being judged
- You just don’t feel right when you are there
These points help confirm the relationship should end.
Talk It Out
Ending a relationship should start with a discussion.
You can choose to share your decision with your therapist at your last session. This is often the best approach in that it allows you to talk things out. Your therapist might have a method to their therapy, and an explanation might help you decide to stick with it a little longer, but you have to do what feels right for you.
It is within your right to simply say you won’t be coming back and leave it at that. Keep in mind an honest approach is the best way to feel a sense of closure so you can move on.
Email or Text
If you feel you don’t want to deal with a face-to-face “break up,” you can send an email to your therapist to let them know you won’t be returning.
Emails allow you to get your thoughts down in an organized manner and hit on the points important to your decision. You can focus on your needs and end the relationship without the worry of a live confrontation.
If you feel more comfortable texting, texts are short and sweet. If this is a mode of communication you have used with your therapist, this approach can also work.
Source a New Therapist
You might not realize how much you’ve come to depend on your therapist for emotional support, even a therapist you feel isn’t meeting your needs.
Therefore, having a new therapist lined up ensures that you’ll at least have an option for emotional support after the breakup. This can also provide a good discussion point when starting your new therapy. You can explore why you needed a change and what you are looking for in your sessions.
Sometimes the first approach or first therapist isn’t the right fit for you. This is why it’s important to not give up, but rather, empower yourself by changing up your treatment plan when needed.
The Chicago Mind Solutions Difference
Chicago Mind Solutions works with individuals, offering neuropsychological testing and non-invasive treatment for many mental health conditions. For more information about our treatments and teletherapy options, please contact us at (224) 723-5050 or email info@chicagomindsolutions.com.
