If you've been in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for six months and working with your current therapist for eight months without finding it helpful or feeling comfortable enough to open up, it might be worth considering seeking a new therapist. Therapy is a highly individualized process, and the therapeutic relationship plays a significant role in its effectiveness. If you don't feel a connection or trust with your current therapist, it can hinder your progress.
Here are some signs that it might be time to explore other therapy options:
Lack of Progress: If you haven't seen any significant improvements or positive changes in your well-being or ability to cope with emotions after an extended period, it might be worth trying a different therapeutic approach or working with a new therapist.
Lack of Trust or Comfort: Feeling uncomfortable or unable to open up with your current therapist can be a sign that the therapeutic relationship is not working as it should. Trust and a sense of safety are essential components of effective therapy.
Not Aligning with the Therapist's Approach: If you don't resonate with the therapeutic approach your current therapist is using (in this case, DBT), you may benefit from trying a different therapeutic modality that better suits your needs and preferences.
Feeling Unsupported: A therapist should be supportive and understanding, providing an empathetic and non-judgmental space for you to share your thoughts and feelings. If you don't feel supported, it might be worth seeking a different therapist who can offer that for you.
Communication Issues: If there are communication problems with your current therapist, such as difficulties in understanding each other or expressing your needs, it may impede the therapeutic process.
Before making a decision, you might consider discussing your concerns with your current therapist. Open communication can sometimes help address issues and improve the therapeutic relationship. If you still find that you are not making progress or that the issues persist, it could be beneficial to seek a second opinion or find a new therapist who uses a different therapeutic approach or with whom you feel more comfortable.
Remember that finding the right therapist can take time, and it's okay to try different therapists until you find one who is a good fit for you. The relationship with your therapist is essential for productive therapy, so it's crucial to find someone with whom you can build trust and work effectively towards your goals.