8 Signs You Should Ditch Your Therapist For A Better One

8 Signs You Should Ditch Your Therapist For A Better One : When it comes to an issue as delicate as mental health, it becomes essential to acquire the right therapist’s services. But not everyone with a degree and license to practice is the right therapist for you. You have to find a therapist who will provide the proper treatment you need. Because if you keep relying on a therapist that isn’t right for you, it can do more harm to your mental health.

So if you are going for therapy and your therapist exhibits any of these signs, it is time to walk out the door and find yourself a better one. The signs are:

They can’t remember important details

A therapist is only a human. They can’t remember all the details you share with them during a session. Besides, you are not the only person they are counseling. So you have to cut them some slack if they forget a few details. OR NOT since they’re supposed to take notes and be prepared when you walk in!

Therapy is dependent upon two-way effort. If your therapist forgets essential details of your past traumas, how are they even going to be able to help you? This callousness is a clear indication that they aren’t paying much attention to detail and making no effort on their part to personalize your treatment. You deserve much better!
You feel misdiagnosed

Self-doubt is common when dealing with mental dilemmas and speaking to a therapist. However, sometimes you just know there’s something off, especially if the doubt increases and you start to feel like a victim. So if you think that you are being misdiagnosed, it is best to get a second opinion.

As a precautionary measure, always run a background check on your therapist before actually walking in the door. Not everyone is skilled enough to offer professional services. In fact, many don’t even have an LPC degree to be legitimate to practice in the first place. And it’s usually these therapists who misdiagnose patients. A license signifies authority to practice and hence decreases the chances of misdiagnosis. Pick your therapist wisely.
You both have vastly different opinions

Conflicting opinions can quickly erect a wall between you and your therapist. A therapist should support your goals whenever necessary or guide you away when the situation requires them to. They should respect your decisions and shouldn’t force their opinions upon you. For example, you might want to mend a relationship, but your therapist wants you to move on. Such a difference can cause you to become dishonest with them. If that is the case, change your therapist.
They don’t define a treatment plan

Having a solid treatment plan is necessary to motivate a patient and measure their progress. So when the basics are laid out and the therapist uncovers the root of the issues, they are supposed to prepare a treatment plan. But if your therapist doesn’t define a proper treatment plan, there is a chance they aren’t sure themselves. Again, this uncertainty is a clear indication of a lack of expertise and willingness to help you solve your problems. In such a case, you should look for better options, preferably someone within your niche.
They are judgmental

Unfortunately, judgmental therapists exist, and we have to say is that they’re bottom tier scum!

Your therapy is supposed to be a safe space where you become vulnerable and share your thoughts, views, opinions without inhibition. Facing criticism at such a state can be harmful to you. The purpose of therapy is to support the patient in the scope of their beliefs and opinions and walk them through healing guilt-free. But if the therapist is judgmental, it can put you in more doubt leading to even bigger problems. So change your therapist immediately if you encounter harsh criticism or judgment on their part.
You feel like holding back

It can be hard to open up and become vulnerable, especially when you have to share your darkest and deepest secrets and traumas with a partial stranger. Naturally, it takes time for a person to fully open up with their therapist and build a trusting relationship. But suppose you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist and compulsively hold back information even after quite some time. In that case, it is best to change your therapist.
Their scope of practice doesn’t serve your needs

Therapists often cater to specific client bases. Some work with people in highly competitive jobs, and some provide counseling to married couples only. Not to mention, some therapists follow a particular school of thought that reflects in their treatments as well.

The point being, not every therapist is ideal for you because they may not have sufficient experience to tackle your problems, to begin with. You can’t compromise and settle with ‘whatever’ services are available. You need to understand your needs and look for a therapist accordingly. For example, your need for Freudian therapy won’t be satiated by a Gestalt expert. And this obviously calls for a switch!
There is a lack of actionable guidance

A therapist cannot tell you what to do. But if they are not giving you any actionable advice, then that therapist isn’t right for you. So if you leave your therapy session feeling like you have no insight into your problem and how you are supposed to deal with that problem, change your therapist.

Conclusion

Therapy is a delicate matter that requires trust, comfort, professionalism, and patience. Inadequate treatment or malpractice can do a lot of harm to your mental health than any good. It can even put you off of therapy or the prospect of seeking any help for your mental problems. But you must understand that it is because of compatibility or practice issues if you feel this way. It doesn’t mean you have to give up on getting help. It just means that you have to find a therapist better suited to your needs and one you can trust easily.