By Marianne Wylie, MSW, RSW The relationship between client and therapist takes time and effort to build. Once you do feel comfortable, you will likely have shared very personal details about yourself, making it difficult to move on to another therapist. From time to time and for many reasons, clients are faced with the dilemma of seeing a new therapist after learning to trust their first one. Common reasons for this transition include a job change, educational leave, a change in role in the organization, illness, a move, or other personal issues that have to do with the therapist themselves and not the client.
Other times, the therapist may decide that the client would benefit from seeing another provider that has more experience or specialized training working with the client’s specific issues, or may have to recuse themselves from treatment if there is a conflict of interest. Regardless of the reason, this can be a time of sadness and loss for you. You may feel worried about meeting with someone new and opening up to them. This is normal. But don’t fret, there are some real benefits that can come out of this change for you and your treatment. After all, when one door closes, another must open. Some Positives to Changing Therapists:
Endings can be hard and sometimes we may not know how to cope effectively. Experiencing the ending of the relationship with your therapist can provide an opportunity to learn healthy ways of viewing endings and coping with them. Be sure to share your feelings with your new therapist if you miss your old one. The best therapists will help you to safely acknowledge, explore, and validate your feelings to help you adapt and cope effectively. |
ThoughtsCheck here periodically for updates from Kelly Mental Health staff.
Check out kellymagazine.ca for recent mental health articles and blog posts. This blog is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide personal support as an alternative to psychotherapy services. Please note that replies are viewable by the public, and we may take a few days to respond. If you require immediate assistance, please call us during business hours.
|
Visit usOffice Hours:
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm Please call to book your appointment |
|
© COPYRIGHT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. WEB DESIGN BY KMH