What is what to do when therapy isn't working?

It's disheartening when therapy doesn't seem to be yielding the desired results. Here's what you can do when you feel therapy isn't working:

• Assess Your Expectations: Are your expectations for therapy realistic? Therapy is a process, not a quick fix. Understanding the expected time frame and pace of change is important. This may involve revisiting your initial goals for therapy to see if they are still relevant or if they need adjustment. Check out your thoughts about <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/realistic%20expectations">realistic expectations</a> from your therapy.

• Evaluate Your Relationship with Your Therapist: The therapeutic relationship is crucial. Do you feel comfortable, safe, and understood by your therapist? Do you feel like you can be honest with them? Consider whether you feel a strong <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/therapeutic%20alliance">therapeutic alliance</a>.

• Communicate with Your Therapist: Openly discuss your concerns with your therapist. Tell them you feel like therapy isn't working and explain why. A good therapist will welcome this feedback and work with you to adjust the approach or explore potential underlying issues.

• Re-evaluate Treatment Goals: Sometimes, the initial goals set at the beginning of therapy may no longer be the most relevant or effective. It might be necessary to re-evaluate these goals and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

• Consider a Different Therapeutic Approach: Different therapies work better for different people and different issues. Explore whether a different therapeutic modality, such as <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/cognitive%20behavioral%20therapy">cognitive behavioral therapy</a> (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or psychodynamic therapy, might be a better fit.

• Assess Your Commitment and Engagement: Are you actively participating in therapy sessions? Are you completing homework assignments or practicing skills learned in therapy? Therapy requires effort and commitment from your side. The level of <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/active%20participation">active participation</a> can have a huge effect on therapy.

• Seek a Second Opinion: Talking to another therapist can provide a fresh perspective and help you determine if your current therapist is the right fit for you. It's perfectly acceptable to seek a second opinion.

• Consider Medication: If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, medication may be a helpful adjunct to therapy. Discuss this option with your therapist or a psychiatrist.

• Take a Break: Sometimes, taking a break from therapy can be helpful. This can allow you to process what you've learned and gain a new perspective.

• Change Therapists: If you've tried communicating with your therapist and adjusting the approach without success, it may be time to find a new therapist. Finding the right therapist can significantly impact the effectiveness of therapy. Don't be afraid to switch therapists until you find someone who is a good fit for you.