If you've been in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for six months and have been working with your therapist for eight months without finding it helpful or feeling comfortable enough to open up, it might be worth considering looking for a new therapist.
Effective therapy is built on a strong therapeutic alliance and a safe, trusting environment. If you feel like you haven't developed that connection with your current therapist and don't feel supported or understood, it may hinder your progress in therapy.
Here are some signs that it might be time to explore other therapy options:
Lack of Progress: If you feel like you haven't seen any meaningful improvement in your well-being or struggles despite consistent therapy attendance, it could be an indicator that the current approach is not meeting your needs.
Uncomfortable or Unsafe Feeling: Feeling uncomfortable or unsafe in therapy can be a significant barrier to opening up and addressing personal issues. Trust and rapport are essential in therapeutic relationships.
Mismatched Approach: Different therapists use various therapeutic approaches, and not all therapies work for everyone. If DBT doesn't resonate with you or hasn't proven effective, exploring other therapeutic modalities might be helpful.
Inability to Open Up: Therapy should provide a supportive space for you to express your thoughts and emotions. If you find it difficult to open up and share with your current therapist, it may be essential to find someone with whom you feel more at ease.
Communication Issues: Effective communication between you and your therapist is crucial. If you feel like your therapist doesn't understand you or is not responsive to your concerns, it may be time to consider other options.
When looking for a new therapist, consider the following steps:
Reflect on Your Needs: Identify what you feel is lacking in your current therapy and what you need from a therapist. Think about the qualities and approach you believe would be most beneficial for you.
Research and Seek Recommendations: Look for therapists who specialize in the specific issues you want to address and who use therapeutic approaches that align with your preferences.
Consult with Potential Therapists: Many therapists offer free initial consultations or phone calls. Use this opportunity to talk to potential therapists and assess if you feel comfortable and understood by them.
Give It Time: Building a therapeutic relationship takes time, so don't feel discouraged if you don't experience immediate results with a new therapist. However, if you find yourself repeatedly feeling uncomfortable or unsupported after a few sessions, it might be worth considering other options.
Remember that finding the right therapist is a personal process, and it's essential to advocate for your mental health needs. Therapy can be highly beneficial when you have a strong connection with your therapist, so don't hesitate to explore different options to find the best fit for you.