How to Know When to Kick Your Provider to the Curb
Everyone says, “Go to therapy, get some help. It’ll be great.” I’m talking about mental health therapy here, since that’s what we do at Hope for the Journey. But people say the same thing for all kinds of therapy—physical therapy, occupational therapy, seeing a psychiatrist, even just going to the doctor. But what happens when you go and it’s not working out? How do you know when it’s time to kick your provider to the curb?
Recognizing When It’s Time to Move On
How do you know when it’s time to move on because this just isn’t working? In my mind, there are two big things to look out for. It might be one or the other, or it could be both, that signal it’s time to start considering whether your provider is a bad fit for you.
1. Lack of Progress
If you’re not seeing any progress or improvement despite sticking with the treatment plan, that’s a red flag. Therapy should help you feel like you’re taking steps forward, even if they’re small. If, after several sessions, you don’t feel any change or improvement, it might be time to reassess.
2. Feeling Unheard or Misunderstood
If you feel like your provider isn’t really listening to you or understanding your needs, that’s another sign. A good provider should make you feel understood and supported. This connection is crucial because the research is very clear: when you feel that connection with your provider, you get better faster.
The Importance of a Personality Match
When you go to get help from someone, you should feel like they care and truly understand you. This is not just about how it feels; it’s about effectiveness. When you feel connected to your provider, you’re more motivated, the juices get flowing, and you’re moving forward. We get momentum in our care, and it just works better.
So, if you’re not feeling it with your provider—and I’m not talking about the first 10 minutes because sometimes it takes a little bit—but if you’ve been seeing them for two, three, or four sessions and it still doesn’t feel like a good fit, then it’s time to start considering other options.
Addressing Trauma
If you have any sort of trauma in your past, or if therapy just isn’t helping, it might be because there’s something stuck in the past. Sometimes, we go through life not realizing what’s holding us back.
If you’re in that situation and with a provider, even if they say they’re trauma-informed, it needs to feel that way to you. If things keep getting stirred up during your sessions and you’re not feeling better, that’s a sign something isn’t right. It’s crucial that your provider not only understands trauma but also makes you feel supported and safe while addressing it.
When you’re there, I’m not saying you should be cured in two to four sessions, but you should feel better, like things are starting to improve. You should feel like you’ve taken one step forward when you’re getting help for things. If that’s not happening, it might be a good time to start asking some questions about what “trauma-informed” really means to your provider and what training they’ve had in it. If you’re not seeing progress, it’s important to dig deeper and understand their approach.
Â
Taking Action
So, what do you do when you start feeling like something isn’t quite right? The first step I would suggest is to bring it up with your provider. Sometimes, the disconnect is simply because they can’t read your mind. Lean in and allow yourself to have that uncomfortable conversation. If your provider listens, tunes in, and responds in a way that makes you feel understood and more confident, that’s fantastic.
But if they don’t, and you still feel uncomfortable or uneasy, that’s a clear sign it might be time to consider finding a new provider. Look for someone who is more trauma-informed and who can better meet your needs.
Share Your Thoughts!
At Hope for the Journey, we believe that everyone deserves a provider who truly understands and supports them. Don’t settle for less. Your mental health and well-being are worth it.
Thanks for reading, and let’s keep the conversation going!
If you are needing assistance with your healing journey, reach out to us….we are here to HELP.
Our team of caring therapists are ready to help you navigate the waters of your mental health journey in your difficult times. Our highly skilled clinicians will welcome you with warmth and understanding. To start therapy with Hope For the Journey, please follow these simple steps:
- Contact Hope for the Journey
- Meet with acaring therapist
- Begin to Feel, Heal & Thrive!
Other Services Offered At Hope For The Journey
Our team is happy to offer a number of services from our Round Rock and Austin therapy offices. Mental health services include therapy for anxiety and depression, domestic violence, sexual assault, PTSD, and EMDR. Our team also provides support for family members of all ages with counseling for teens and young adults, children and tweens, couples, men, and parents/partners. Contact us today to learn more about our team and community involvement!