How To Dump Your Longtime Therapist?

[the racha]

Thanks to Claire and Auburngirl for getting this convo started-- my question is slightly different hence the new thread.

I have been seeing my current therapist for many years. I can honestly say that I grew tremendously and that she has helped me in many, many ways. But then recently, I experienced an enormous trigger and am for the first time on medication and unable to work. I was also hospitalized for a few weeks, and met with other therapists who I felt were more adept at handling my issues at this stage of my life/ PTSD process. So I am seriously considering finding a new therapist, as lately my sessions with my current therapist have been frustrating and I feel ineffective.

Has anyone else out there experienced this? I am worried that I may just be sabotaging myself, but I truly feel at times like my therapist's approach to me has been basically warped/ skewed by the length of our relationship instead of strengthened by it... any advice would be greatly appreciated...

racha

 

[Deleted member 541]

You don't owe your therapist anything, but you do owe yourself, the best possible treatment. If you feel that your therapist has brought you as far as she can, then you owe it to yourself to part ways with her, and find a therapist that can push you a bit, offer more help, or whatever.

Remember you are going to therapy to get better, not to stagnate.....

 

[kers]

Have you discussed your concerns explicitly with your therapist? If you have and you still feel like your sessions are futile, then it makes sense to discontinue. However, if you haven't had the discussion with her, there is an opportunity to be able express your frustration and (hopefully) have her hear it and respond to it.

 

[the racha]

Thanks for all of the advice. I have discussed my issues with her, and have asked her to challenge me more. I think a part of me also blames her for how far I fell, like she should have done something to alert me to the fact that I was going downhill fast. I guess I just need someone with a new perspective (and hopefully equally as responsive).