When Counseling Isn't Working: What to Do Next

If you're not seeing the results you want from therapy, it's essential to discuss with your therapist about the next steps. It could be that you need to modify your approach to treatment, look for extra resources, or even find a new therapist. Licensed professional counselor Heidi McBain, LMFT, states that the client-therapist relationship is often the reason why therapy stops being effective. This usually occurs in the early stages of therapy, as you and your therapist get to know each other.

It's also possible that you've encountered an obstacle or a wall where you feel like you and your therapist are not making progress. If this is the case, Dr. Joshua Klapow, clinical psychologist and host of The Kurre and Klapow Show, says that these obstacles usually pass. But if they don't, it's essential to determine what the next steps should be. While randomized controlled trials are often used to measure the effectiveness of counseling, many researchers and counseling professionals argue that these trials are too rigid and don't accurately reflect what happens in counseling practice. If you're feeling stuck in therapy, it's important to talk to your therapist about what your options are.

They may be able to suggest different approaches or resources that can help you make progress. If not, it may be time to consider finding a new therapist who is better suited for your needs.

Arlene Manton
Arlene Manton

Amateur twitter practitioner. Infuriatingly humble coffee lover. Incurable beer aficionado. Unapologetic coffee enthusiast. Incurable web lover. Unapologetic food maven.