A guide to when and how to change your therapist

The spotlight turns to the essential yet often overlooked aspect of the therapeutic journey finding the right therapist While therapy is a cornerstone of mental wellbeing a successful therapeutic relationship is paramount for progress ldquoWhile all kinds of therapists are ultimately looking to help therapeutic relationship can be hampered if you just donrsquot feel comfortable with their approach For example a lot of therapists use silence as a tool but if theyrsquore not using it in a way that feels okay for you it may not be a good fitrdquo shares Divya Tiwari clinical psychologist and head of therapy at MindPeersRecognising the signs of a mismatched therapeutic connection and making the decision to change therapists can be dauntingbut its a crucial step towards optimal mental health as per Mehezabin Dordi clinical psychologist at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital MumbaiOn this day mental health experts will delve into the complexities of the therapistclient relationship They will answer pressing questions and provide invaluable insights into identifying when a therapeutic partnership is no longer beneficial offering practical guidance on how to navigate this challenging process Moreover they will outline the essential qualities to look for in a new therapist and effective strategies for finding a mental health professional who truly understands and supports their needsHow can I tell if the therapeutic relationship is no longer beneficialTiwariSome ways you can tell if a therapeutic relationship is no longer beneficial1 Feeling like most of your goals have been achieved2 Therapist not able to help you achieve your longterm goals3 Wondering about whether you should even continue4 Not feeling better when they validate or empathise5 Not feeling motivated about therapyIf yoursquore feeling like the relationship is not beneficial anymore you can certainly discuss this with your therapist Most of them are aware of when this starts happening but if they arenrsquot it can help them tailor the intervention accordinglyWhat are the signs of a lack of trust or connection with my therapistTiwariOne can look for the following signs as an indication of a lack of trust1 Restraining yourself from saying things in the session2 Feeling anger or frustration about something the therapist says3 Not being able to do suggested activitiestechniques4 Missing sessionsnot scheduling as regularly as you used to5 Weighing what you say in the session and holding things backFeeling like you canrsquot trust your therapist can lead to a breakdown in rapport which is the main thing that brings about change If yoursquove been seeing the therapist for some time feel free to discuss anything that makes you uncomfortable If itrsquos a new therapist you can try to look for someone who may be more trustworthy for youHow can I determine if my therapists personality or approach is a poor fit for meTiwariTo understand if the therapistrsquos personality or approach is a good or poor fit for you you can pay attention to some of the following1 Their humour or conversational style2 Their cultural background and how it fits with yours3 Whether they are taking into account your factors like community social lifestatus limitations and beliefs4 If they rely a lot on outofsession activities called Homework when you would like more insession work or vice versa5 Aspects of their personality like talking too muchtoo little casualrestrained formalinformalIs it normal to experience plateaus in therapy or does it indicate a need for a changeTiwariYes it is perfectly normal to feel like therapy is plateauing This happens frequently when yoursquove been going to a therapist for a while and your initial distressing emotional and cognitive state no longer exists It may indicate a need for change or that therapy is not needed anymore at this point At MindPeers we firmly believe that whatever the reason it is important to address this with your therapist so they can explore what the reason might be and help you take the right steps to resolve the plateau Some introspection can also help along with paying attention to how yoursquore doing outside of sessionsHow does one search for a new therapistDordiWhen you decide to find a new therapist it can seem overwhelming but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process smoother Here are several strategies to help youReferrals Start by seeking recommendations from trusted sources This could include your current therapist who might have colleagues to suggest or friends and family who have had positive experiences with their own therapists Additionally your primary care doctor can be a valuable resource for referrals as they often have connections within the healthcare communityDirectoriesUtilise online directories to find mental health professionals Websites such asPracto 1mgBetterLyf and others provide comprehensive listings of therapists These platforms often include reviews and ratings from other patients which can give you a sense of the therapistrsquos reputation and effectiveness Also consider looking at local hospitals which may have their own directories of mental health professionalsProfessional organisationsProfessional organisations such as the Indian Psychiatric Society IPS maintain directories of accredited professionals These organisations ensure that their members meet specific standards of practice giving you confidence in the quality of care you will receiveLocal clinicsReach out to local mental health clinics hospitals or community healthcentres These institutions often have mental health professionals on staff or can recommend someone who fits your needsSpecialty searchesIf you have specific concerns or need a therapist with particular expertise look for professionals who specialise in those areas For example if you are dealing with trauma addiction or LGBTQIA issues finding a therapist with experience in these areas can be particularly beneficialWhat factors should be considered when choosing a new therapistDordiSelecting the right therapist involves careful consideration of several factors to ensure that you find someone who is wellsuited to your needsCredentials and experienceVerify that the therapist is properly qualified and has sufficient experience particularly with the issues you are facing This ensures that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to help you effectivelyTherapeutic approachDifferent therapists employ various methods such as cognitivebehaviouraltherapy CBT psychodynamic therapy or humanistic therapy Research these approaches to determine which one aligns best with your preferences and what you believe will be most helpful for youCompatibilityA strong therapeutic relationship is crucial for effective therapy Look for a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and understood Initial consultations can be a good way to gauge this compatibilityLook at the logisticsPractical considerations such as the therapists location availability and fees are important Ensure that their schedule aligns with yours and that their services are within your budget If you have insurance check whether they accept it to avoid unexpected costsSpecialisationsIf you have specific needs such as dealing with trauma addiction or gender identity issues seek out therapists who specialise in these areas Specialised knowledge can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of your therapyReviews and feedbackReading reviews and testimonials from other clients can provide insight into the therapistrsquos effectiveness and approach Positive feedback from others can give you confidence in your choiceHow does one ease the transition from one therapist to the otherDordiOnce you have chosen a new therapist transitioning smoothly is key to maintaining continuity in your careDiscuss with your current therapistOpen communication with your current therapist about your decision to change is important They can provide referrals and help facilitate a smooth transition ensuring that you continue to receive the support you needRequest recordsAsk your current therapist for your treatment records Sharing these with your new therapist can provide continuity in your care giving them a clear understanding of your treatment history and current needsPrepare for the first sessionBe ready to discuss your treatment history and current concerns with your new therapist Having a summary of your previous therapy can help them understand your background and tailor their approach to your needsGive yourself timeIt may take a few sessions to adjust to your new therapist and build a rapport Be patient with the process as developing a comfortable and trusting relationship is essential for effective therapyEvaluate the fitAfter a few sessions take time to assess how you feel about the new therapist Itrsquos important to feel understood and supported and that the therapistrsquos approach aligns with your goals and needsTransitioning to a new therapist is a significant step in your mental health journey By following these steps you can help ensure that it is a positive and beneficial change leading you to the support and care you need for your wellbeingAlso ReadWorld Mental Health Day Mental health a major concern among the youth experts explain why