Frequent therapy visits can help many individuals better navigate challenges. Some patients may take time to see results and therapy may not work for everyone. For patients who feel therapy isn’t working, there are some other options that can be effective.
How To Know When Therapy Isn’t Working
Not everyone will find the results they need from therapy. This can be because you didn’t set the right goals, you’re not connecting with your therapist, or you need more intense care. Some signs to look for that will help you indicate that therapy isn’t working include:
- You feel your therapist isn’t listening or understanding you
- You don’t notice a reduction in your symptoms after 6 sessions
- You leave each session feeling disappointed
- You aren’t getting any insights into your mental illness or your symptoms
- You feel judged by your therapist
Reassess Your Goals
Before you start therapy, you should be setting goals of what you hope to accomplish during your sessions. Setting goals will help you go into each session with a purpose and help your therapist formulate a plan to help you achieve them. If you feel your goals are not being met, you may feel that therapy isn’t working. However, reassessing your goals or making new ones can help make sessions feel more beneficial. Try setting shorter-term goals that are easily attainable.
Increase The Frequency Of Sessions
It may seem counterproductive to increase your therapy sessions if you aren’t seeing results, but studies have shown that increasing therapy sessions can provide sustained improvement. Going to therapy more often will help you avoid spiraling emotions and better prepare you for life’s challenges. If there is a long break between sessions, you may find yourself slipping back into old habits, rather than using the techniques suggested in therapy.
Try Another Therapist
Every therapist is different, utilizing different techniques to help unique patients. Not all patients will feel supported by every therapist. Because we are all human, some of us will have different experiences and you may not form a connection with a therapist. When you feel judged or misunderstood, you should start looking into other licensed therapists.
Explore Medication Options
Depending on your struggle or mental illness, medication may be a helpful option to limit symptoms. Some patients find that medication combined with therapy is most beneficial in helping them cope. Dealing with mental illness or trauma is not a linear process, so mixing and matching treatment methods will help with the ebbs and flows.
Try A Different Therapy Type
As more research is done in the mental health world, there are different types of therapy and coping techniques to try. Many therapy techniques are general for most patients but can be specialized to fit your goals.
Individual therapy can feel isolation for many people, so if you feel therapy isn’t working, try a group therapy session or go with your partner. Group therapy sessions or even a guided support group will help us feel less alone in our struggles. Struggling alone is never necessary, you can find a therapy that works best for you.
Discuss Your Concerns With Your Therapist
If your therapist’s technique or communication style isn’t why you feel therapy isn’t working, try discussing your concerns with them. A therapist is there to help you through all the different stages of life. Discussing your concerns and reservations about therapy will help them pivot your treatment.
Individual Counseling From Ogden Psychological Services
Ogden Psychological Services offers multiple counseling options for anxiety, depression, autism, PTSD, anger, trauma, and more. Our therapy practices are based on the most recent evidence and we continue to learn and grow in our mental health knowledge. Our most popular option is individual counseling, where you get to sit down one-on-one with your therapist to help navigate the challenges of life.
We understand that life is challenging. There are always going to be changes and heartache during your lifetime. Seeking therapy early in life can set you up for success in the years to come. Working with a therapist helps individuals develop coping skills that will help them live a more emotionally balanced life.
OPS wants you to feel comfortable in our office, but if you aren’t connecting with your therapist, we totally understand the need to move on. Reach out to us to learn more about our counselors and therapists and schedule an appointment today!
