Switching Therapists: 11 Signs It’s Time to Go

Switching therapists can be a tough feeling to navigate. You might feel torn—they’ve likely been there for you in hard times, and you might feel a personal connection. But sometimes, a change can benefit your ongoing mental health work. We’ve put together 11 signs to look for before you switch over to a new therapist. 

11 Signals That It’s Time for Switching Therapists

Switching therapists is a personal choice and all types of factors may contribute to this decision. Here are 11 signals that it might be time to consider finding a new therapist:

1. You’re Feeling a Real Lack of Progress. If you’ve been in therapy for a significant amount of time without experiencing any positive changes or progress in your mental health, it may be worth exploring other options.
2. You Feel Like You Can’t Tell the Truth. Being honest and vulnerable is a big part of therapy. If you’ve been with the same therapist for a long time and still find it hard to open up, they just might not be the right fit for you.
3. You Feel Unheard or Misunderstood. A successful therapeutic relationship relies on effective communication. If your therapist isn’t actively listening or can’t understand your concerns, move on to someone who really hears you.
4. Your Therapeutic Styles Don’t Match. Different therapists use different approaches. If you find that their style or techniques don’t resonate with you or aren’t effective, let’s find what does work.
5. There are Unresolved Issues. If you’ve raised specific concerns or conflicts with your therapist that still need to be addressed or solved, it may indicate a lack of responsiveness to your needs.
6. There’s an Inherent Personality Clash. You want to get along with your therapist. If you feel a significant personality clash with your therapist or a lack of rapport, it could hinder the effectiveness of the therapy.
7. You Don’t Feel Comfortable. Feeling constantly uncomfortable, judged, or unsafe in therapy is a sign that the therapeutic relationship may not be conducive to your well-being. This is especially true if the therapist does something that makes you feel unsafe in any way.
8. You Have Changing Goals or Focus. Over time, your mental health needs may change. If your current therapist is unable or unwilling to adapt to these changes, it might be time to seek out someone who can better address your current concerns.
9. There are Too Many Scheduling Issues. Consistent difficulties scheduling appointments, frequent cancellations, or unavailability from your therapist may disrupt the continuity of your treatment. Look for a therapist that keeps your appointments organized and consistent.
10. There’s a Lack of Engagement. If your therapist appears disengaged, uninterested, or distracted during sessions, it can impact the quality of therapy and hinder your progress. You deserve to get the attention you’re paying for.
11. You Just Have a Gut Feeling. Trust your instincts. If, for any reason, you feel that the relationship just isn’t working, listen to that intuition. 

Should I tell my therapist I want to change therapists?

Before making a decision, consider discussing your concerns with your current therapist. They may be open to feedback and willing to make adjustments. However, if the issues persist and impact the quality of your sessions, exploring other options may be the better way to go. 

Experience Matters: How ACP is Different 

For over 44 years, ACP has provided exceptional mental health services in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Of the 200+ clinicians, many have been with ACP for over 30 years. That type of hands-on experience makes a difference in the type of care they can provide. 

ACP is led by Founder and current CEO Dr. Brose, who has personally treated over 50,000 patients and was named 2020 Gerontologist of the Year. His diligence, expertise, and dedication contribute to bettering our local communities through comprehensive mental health services for whoever knocks on our door.

No matter what you’re going through, we’ll work to find the right mental health professional to help you out. Our priority is always your health, safety, and well-being.

ACP’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

ACP strives to provide equitable mental health care for all clients in an inclusive environment where all feel welcomed, valued, and respected. We are committed to social justice and removing barriers for all communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ clients. We treasure the humanity in our clients and employees. We will continue to look for ways we can BE BETTER and always fight for what’s right.

Make a Change With an ACP Therapist

We know finding the right therapist can take time. But once you find the right fit, it can make a big difference.

If you’re ready to experience that difference, reach out to the team at ACP. We’ll listen to your needs and mental health goals before finding a fit for you! Schedule an initial appointment by filling out the form below. 

We look forward to learning more about you.