There are lots of reasons that people don’t go to see a therapist (stigma, cost, location, time, etc), but I am convinced that one of the largest fears about looking for a therapist is that people are afraid that they will get stuck with a therapist they don’t like or connect with. I mean, nothing is worse then spending your hard earned money and time to sit across from a therapist that you would rather not be in session with. I get that.
But here’s the good news. YOU DON”T HAVE TO. You are free to look for a therapist until you find one that you like. I know that may seem like a lot of hard work, but it’s worth it to find the right one.
I usually tell new clients that in our first session we are just getting to know each other (intake), and that I want them to know that they should feel the freedom to leave whenever they feel like it’s not a good fit. I tell them that they will know within the first few sessions, whether or not it’s the right fit, and that seems about right. And if it doesn’t work out, I will help them find a new therapist.
Is this a fear of yours, or am I way off base?
Have you ever been “stuck” with a therapist you didn’t like or connect with? What did you do?
