Making the decision to see a mental health professional is a difficult but often necessary step for Illinois residents. Unfortunately, not every therapist is the right fit for every patient. If you notice any of these signs, it’s likely time to move on to a new one.
Your therapist isn’t reliable
While there are instances when a therapist may need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, it shouldn’t be the norm. If your therapist repeatedly misses, cancels or reschedules your appointments, it may be because he or she simply isn’t reliable. In those instances, you may be better served by finding a new mental health professional.
Unethical behavior
One of the most important aspects of the relationship between a client and a therapist is trust. If your therapist breaches that trust, not only have they violated state and federal law, but they also shouldn’t be your therapist anymore. Unethical behavior is simply unacceptable.
Your therapist offers unsafe advice
While many forms of medical negligence involve missed diagnoses, in the world of mental health, the term can apply to therapists offering unsafe advice. If a therapist provides advice that isn’t safe for you to follow, it could be time to find a new therapist.
Your therapist is insensitive
Unfortunately, even if some therapists don’t consider themselves judgmental, they may hold bigoted points of view against people with differing backgrounds. Since patients must be able to fully open up to their therapist, this means that some therapists simply aren’t a fit for patients of certain backgrounds.
The benefits of therapy are numerous, but it may require visits to several therapists before you find the right one for you. Knowing the signs that a therapist isn’t the right fit for you can help you better identify the ones who are.