what to do if therapy isn't working
It’s human nature to seek guidance and validation. We receive that throughout most of our childhood from parents, teachers, or any authority figures. We were always given specific rules and instructions. So it’s normal to assume that when we go to see a therapist later in life, we expect them to tell us exactly what to do to improve our mental health. At least, this is how I felt.
It took me years of struggling and going from therapist to therapist to figure out that this isn’t the case. Therapists aren’t there to give us specific instructions like we may have received in school. There’s no curriculum or grades to reassure us that we’re on the right path. This has to come from within us.
Therapists are there to help us unscramble our thoughts and figure out how to piece together the puzzle inside of our brain. They are there to lay out the pieces for us and stay beside us while we navigate how to fit the pieces together.
In order for therapy to work for you, YOU have to WORK. And let me tell you, it is not easy work. A lot of uncomfortable feelings or thoughts will come up and you may start to feel discouraged or stuck, but that’s what your therapist is for. They will help guide you along the way and create a safe space for you to process these feelings and release your emotions.
This is why it is so important for you to feel 100% comfortable with your therapist. You have to be able to tell them everything you’re feeling without holding back. The more you withhold, the less they’ll be able to help guide you.
One piece of advice from me: Don’t be afraid to take notes during your therapy sessions. This has helped me TREMENDOUSLY. If you do in person therapy, just take a small notebook with you to your sessions. If you do online or teletherapy, just keep a notebook beside you and let your therapist know that you’ll be taking notes of anything that resonates with you.
Let me know if you’ve been feeling discouraged by therapy, and if this video has helped you at all!
Also, don’t forget to let me know your favorite candle scent!
Here’s a link to my favorite candles! I’m burning October Nights in this video.
I don’t get commission or anything, I just absolutely love these candles and the maker/owner is such a sweet girl. Please support her small business!
https://www.kozykandles.com/
Thank you for watching!