For many people, going to therapy is an important part of maintaining their mental health.
It can be a safe space to talk about the things that are bothering you and to receive guidance and support from someone who is trained to help.
But what happens when the person you’re supposed to feel safe with isn’t making you feel that way?
If you’re starting to wonder if it might be time to find a new therapist, here are five signs that may indicate it’s time for a change.
1. You Don’t Feel Safe
This is probably the most important sign that you need a new therapist. Therapy should be a space where you feel safe to talk about anything, no matter how difficult it may be.
If you don’t feel like you can be open and honest with your therapist, or if you feel like they’re judging you, it’s probably not the right fit.
2. You Don’t Feel Understood
It’s normal for there to be a bit of a learning curve at the beginning of therapy as your therapist gets to know you and your story.
But if after a few sessions you still don’t feel like your therapist really understands what’s going on with you, it may be time to look for someone who can better relate to your experience.
3. The Sessions Always Feel The Same
If every session follows the same pattern—you sit in silence for a few minutes before your therapist asks how your week was and then gives some generic advice—it’s possible that your therapist isn’t challenging you or helping you grow in the ways you need.
Therapy should make you think in new ways and help you see things from different perspectives; if it’s not doing that, it might be time for a change.
4. You Can’t Be Yourself Around Them
Everyone puts up some sort of facade when they first meet someone new, but eventually, those walls should start coming down as trust is built.
If you find that even after several sessions, you can’t be yourself around your therapist or show them your true colors, it may mean that they’re not the right person for you.
5. The Cost Is Too High
This one isn’t necessarily about whether or not your therapist is helping you; rather, it’s about whether or not they’re affordable.
If going to a therapist in Toronto is putting too much of a strain on your finances, it may be time to look for someone whose fees are more in line with what you can afford to pay.
Final words
If any of these five signs sound familiar, it might be time for you to start looking for a new therapist.
Going to therapy is an important part of mental health maintenance for many people, but it only works if the relationship between therapist and patient is a good fit.
Trust your gut—if something doesn’t feel right, there’s probably a reason why.
