Changing therapist is hard to do. It’s like starting a new job and having to learn everything over again. It can be debilitating and feel as if you are taking several steps backwards. However there are many reasons to change or switch therapist during your healing journey. No matter what do not give up on it.
Insurance Coverages and Changes
The insurance that you have can dictate your therapy journey. Although they have gotten a lot better, there are still interruptions that happen all of the time. From the way that insurance bill or the coding used can make it hard to obtain the services that you are using. Often times insurance companies work in maintaining their status quo and less in the mind of the patients they serve. So if you find that new regulations has you changing providers or even frequency of services-here are some of the things you can do:
- Work with your provider to find someone they suggest that can help you on your journey
- Always do a repeal-yes you can repeal any decision that an insurance company gives
- If you must reduce services make sure that you space them out to give you the best outcome and do not eliminate your services altogether
Therapist Changes Practices or Moves
This will feel like the worse breakup. Trust me. However there are many things people tend to forget:
- Therapist are human moving or switching from who they work with is a normal part of life
- If you find yourself looking for a new therapist, consider asking for a referral or moving to their new practice if possible
I have had a few therapist changes. In doing so this meant I had to start over and tell my story again, get reacquainted, and feel as if I was starting over. Remember no matter how hard it is that starting over with a new therapist is not starting your journey again. It’s adding a new player to the game. This player is here to assist you in winning. Change is hard but you are more than capable of handling it. Ask your previous therapist for some notes or recommendations while you get reacquainted with your new therapist. Remember that therapy is a tool. You should have tools that you use to cope with the ups and downs of life-time to use them.
Not liking your Therapist
This isn’t always talked about enough. Just because you are in need of help this doesn’t mean that you have take any person that comes your way. Your therapist isn’t your friend. This simply means that therapy will come with its challenges. The person that is assisting you isn’t here to tell you what you want to hear all the time. You should feel heard, sometimes called out, and even agitated about the things you have to work on. If your therapist makes you feel unsafe, is degrading, or after at least 4 sessions isn’t a real fit, be honest. You could be afraid of confrontation so you can speak to the manager of whom the therapist works for instead of the therapist altogether.
Consider changing practices or just a new therapist within the practice. I changed therapist but didn’t switch providers. However I want to reiterate-be honest.
Here’s a few things to rebuttal when it comes to therapy:
- It is not just a place to dump issues without also picking up a tool to use to aid your healing journey
- Your therapist is not like a parent to do things for you-it works when you work
- Therapy isn’t for everyone, but I encourage everyone to give it a try
- You will have highs and lows after sessions
Therapy is a tool-never forget that. If you use the right tool at the right instance it will help you become better. There are many things with therapy that you may need to do. Use my guide for your first time from insurance to sessions. If you are a man or woman of faith who has heard your whole life that you need prayer over therapy I have a guide for that as well. In addition, if you have ever been told to take medication for your mental health and are against it-there’s a few things to remember:
- Mental health is health. If you had a headache and took medicine for it-it’s okay to take it for mental health too
- Your doctor, therapist, etc is a partner in your health. Choosing which medication is for you comes with your input
- Some medications are for temporary use. I used a medication briefly for postpartum
- Do not take yourself off any medication without the aid of your doctor just because you are “feeling” better.
- Take the medication as prescribed and do not mix alcohol with it if it asks you not to.