There are several reasons that can prevent progress in therapy, including lack of trust in the professional, difficulties in changing or therapeutic approach. In general, a therapeutic treatment will bring positive effects to the life of a person who is suffering for some reason psychological, however, it is possible that there are moments of stagnation in which you feel that you are not advancing in your recovery. Over time, a patient goes through various situations that can positively or negatively influence his emotions, thoughts and behaviors that he carries out. In this sense, despite the fact that therapy has been shown to help solve problems, sometimes the treatments may not work as expected. Given this, it is necessary to make a decision in this regard to prevent the person from continuing in a state of doubts and uncertainties.
In this Psychology-Online article we will explain Why do I feel that I am not progressing in therapy and what to do?.
There are several reasons that can explain the reasons why a patient stops having positive results in a therapeutic treatment. In this section we explain why I feel that I am not making progress in therapy:
Lack of confidence in the professional
First of all, it may happen that the person feels that they cannot be helped or does not consider interventions of the treating professional. This may be due to the emergence of a lack of confidence in the patient's personal qualities that are transferred to the psychologist, resulting in a stoppage of progress.
On the other hand, knowledge of other approaches leads to placing trust in other disciplines such as yoga, mindfulness, tarot, among others. As a side effect, the therapy is no longer relevant.
difficulty to change
Doing therapy implies that the person is willing to change habits, thoughts, ways of being and behavior patterns. Change means leaving behind marks that have formed the personality and engaging in new qualities.
However, although this at first seems simple, making these changes is not at all a simple and difficult task. Some people find it harder than others to take the step to change.
therapeutic approach
Similarly, sometimes the professional's style and orientation that it has influences the results that a patient aspires to have. For example, psychoanalytic therapy stands out for being a long-term approach that does not provide short-term solutions. This can go against a person's expectations of having tools in a short amount of time.
On the other hand, cognitive behavioral therapy is an approach of a limited number of sessions in which specific objectives are addressed. However, situations from the past that are the basis of certain symptoms are not usually explored.
There are some ideas that can be carried out if the psychological therapy does not work adequately for the patient. Here are some tips:
- talk to the therapist: It may be necessary to have an in-depth conversation about the reasons that prevent advancing in the process of change. In this sense, the fact of speaking allows working criteria to be modified and conflicts to be addressed in a more useful way. In the event that a change of professional is considered, it may be an opportunity to assess whether this step is necessary.
- change professional: There are therapists who have a style according to the needs and requirements of a patient. For this reason, thinking about changing professionals is a viable option that makes it possible to have another perspective on situations if you do not connect with your psychologist.
- Seek outside help: If psychological therapy does not work or you go to a psychologist and feel worse, it could be the right time to consider other types of approaches such as psychiatric medication. However, this idea should be discussed with the mental health professionals in charge.
Therapy can be a very useful tool in helping people improve their emotional well-being and address the challenges they face in their lives. However, it is common to wonder if the therapy is really working or not. Here are some signs that could indicate that the therapy is being effective:
- You are making progress on your goals: you feel that you are making positive changes in your life and you are getting closer to your therapeutic goals.
- You feel more comfortable talking about your emotionsYou find it easier to talk about your feelings or personal experiences in therapy than in other contexts, you may be gaining trust and opening new avenues of communication emotional.
- You are learning new skills: your therapist has taught you new tools and skills or strategies to manage stress, anxiety or other emotional problems that have helped you cope with difficult situations more effective.
- you feel more motivated: you feel more motivated to work on your emotional well-being and feel that you are making progress in your life in general.
- Do you have a good relationship with your therapist?: you feel comfortable and connected with your therapist.
First of all, it is important to remember that therapy is not a linear process, so it is completely normal for there to be ups and downs along the way. However, if you notice that you are moving towards your goals and that you are making significant progress, it is very likely that the therapy is working. If you have concerns, don't hesitate to talk to your therapist about your concerns and how you can work together to address them.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
