How To Break Up With A Therapist

How would you react if someone told you they wanted to break up with their therapist? Would you be surprised or even upset?

Therapists are trained professionals who provide counseling services to clients.

They are often seen as a safe place where people can sit down and share their problems without concern.

Therapy is the perfect way to deal with emotional issues. However, sometimes things don’t go according to plan.

If you’re feeling stressed out, overwhelmed or stuck – then leaving therapy might be the answer.

However, breaking up with your therapist is easier said than done.

In this article, we will teach you how to break up with your current therapist.

While also explaining the various reasons why you may need to consider this choice.

So if you want to break up with your therapist for good, here are some ways that you can do it.

Why Break Up With A Therapist

Table of Contents

When it comes to seeing a therapist, you will want to leave your sessions feeling motivated and burden-free.

However, if this is not the case, then you may need to leave your current therapist and pursue another practice.

There are countless reasons why you may need to break up with your therapist, from a lack of motivation to general carelessness.

Sometimes, it can even be hard to determine the root of your discomfort.

If you ever feel at odds with your therapist, we have collected some reasons why you may need to break up with them.

You Don’t Feel Better

In most cases, you will want to leave your sessions feeling refreshed and new, as it is your therapist’s job to ease you through your burdens.

And while it is normal to leave therapy feeling emotional, you should never leave a session feeling worse than when you first went in.

If you ever feel distressed or scared, then this could mean that your therapist isn’t listening to you and that you are not receiving the care you need.

No one likes to feel uncomfortable, so if you ever feel frustrated during your sessions, we would advise removing yourself from the situation and seeking better help.

You Aren’t Growing

When you start your sessions, you should begin to see a change in your character, although it is not always instantaneous.

It is important to remember that therapy doesn’t cure you in a day and that it can take time to see some growth.

However, this does not mean that you will not see any change at all, as most people notice a change after their first few sessions.

If you don’t feel like you’re changing as a person, then this could mean that your therapist is not helping you or that you are not receiving active advice.

In most cases, a good therapist will discuss your emotions and help you to overcome your problems.

You Don’t Trust Them

Unfortunately, it is common for some patients to be distrustful of their therapists, which can impede the overall process.

During your sessions, you will be expected to share personal thoughts and feelings, so it is critical to trust your therapist before you start your new treatment.

While being distrustful of your therapist is normal, it is also important to remember that they are trained professionals and that it is their role to question your behavior.

When you enter a session you are basically entering a safe space, where your emotions and actions can be addressed without judgment.

If you find it hard to discuss these matters, then this could mean that you are not built for therapy and may need alternative treatment.

You Don’t Need Therapy Anymore

In some cases, you may want to break up with your therapist because you no longer require them, which should be a positive moment.

If you feel like you have overcome your various problems, then it may be time to bid your therapist farewell and move on with your new life.

Moments like these are what therapists live for, as it means that they have helped you to grow as a person and that you are better because of their advice.

However, this does not mean that breaking up with your therapist will be any easier, which is why we have decided to show you the best approach…

How To Break Up With A Therapist

When it comes to breaking up with your therapist, you may feel like sending a professional email to avoid any awkwardness.

However, we would recommend breaking up with them in person, as this will give you a chance to demonstrate your growth and discuss your issues with their service.

Talk To Them

Instead of emailing or ghosting your therapist, you should endeavor to talk with them in person, so that you can explain how their treatment isn’t working and that you are considering seeing someone else.

In moments like these, it is good to have a game plan in place, so that you will feel more comfortable in the situation.

Having a plan can also help to open the discussion of your treatment and how your therapist can change their methods.

For example, you could use the following format to address the problems with your therapist and their advice:

I want to discuss something with you. I started therapy because (insert reasons here) and I feel like I won’t meet my goals with your treatment. Is there a way we can work together and work on my goals?

In some cases, addressing the problem head-on could help your therapist to understand the error of their ways, which means they will start to work with you and change their methods with you.

However, it could also demonstrate their shortcomings and make you feel more confident in your decision to leave.

Do It In Person

If you have been seeing your therapist for over a month, then it is advisable to break up with them in person, as this will give you both closure and present a challenge that you will need to overcome.

Of course, speaking in person could result in unwanted conflict, but it can also lead to closure and peace.

To broach the topic, you can use the following examples, which we have collected from professional therapists:

I want to end our together, as I now have different goals
While I appreciate our work together, I think it’s time I seek other treatment to work on my needs.
A while ago, I mentioned (insert here) and I have yet to see a difference in your treatment.

However, if you feel like ghosting your therapist is the best approach, then we would still recommend contacting the front desk and canceling your upcoming appointments. This is a common courtesy that most therapists should receive.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, therapists are trained professionals who should guide you through your treatment and make you feel comfortable with your mental health.

If you feel like your treatment is not meeting these criteria, then you may need to consider alternative methods or seeing someone else.

At the end of the day, not all therapists are good at their job, and it can take some time to find a practice that works with your needs and schedule.