Transitioning to a new therapist may feel intimidating. You now have to establish a level of trust and comfort with a person you’re not yet familiar with. Whether you’re moving to a new city or your former therapist is no longer available, there are some steps that will make the transition easier. Read on to learn how to switch therapists with minimal stress.
Find the Right New Therapist
The first step in any therapy process is getting matched with the right therapist. Here at Urban Balance, we have counselors for nearly every facet of mental healthcare. When you contact our office, we will ask some questions about what your goals are in therapy or what kind of counseling services you are interested in. Your answers are completely confidential. We just want to ensure you get paired with the right provider.
If you aren’t sure what kind of therapy you’re looking for, that’s perfectly fine. All of our therapists are likeable, compassionate and relatable. They all offer personalized and comprehensive counseling services. You can rest assured that you’re in good hands.
Keep an Open Mind
Think of this as an opportunity to get a new perspective on your personal struggles. Your new therapist may not have the same advice or suggestions as your former therapist, but that doesn’t mean either of them are wrong. Your therapist will try to provide the best suggestions for your lifestyle, experiences, and other factors. Keep an open mind, and you might be surprised by what’s to come.
Explain What Has and Has Not Worked for You
If you’ve been in therapy for a while, you may already know what does and does not work for your situation. For instance, you may have tried meditation for anxiety relief, but you didn’t get much out of it. Instead, you found relief in exercise or reading. Discuss this with your new therapist so you don’t feel like you’re starting from scratch. This will be a jumping point to better, more effective treatment.
Avoid Comparing Your Therapists
As part of keeping an open mind, it’s important to avoid expectations. Your new therapist will not be exactly like your former therapist. Don’t let that prevent you from having a positive experience with the new therapist. Instead of comparing their methods, see what you can get out of the new approach.
Remember: Good Relationships Take Time
It probably took several therapy sessions for you to feel comfortable with your former therapist. Your transition to a new therapist will come with the same get-to-know-you stage. Your first few sessions may be comprised of story-telling – stories that you’ve already told in therapy before. Once you have a foundation of information to work on, you can start to see positive changes with your new therapist.
To get matched with a licensed therapist near you, contact Urban Balance at (888) 726-7170.