Something on my mind

[CalicoPurpl90]

I keep encountering therapists that seem to take a more passive approach in trying to help me than an active approach. I'm wondering how I could avoid this when searching for a new therapist? I am now tasked with having to eventually find a new therapist as the therapist I was seeing Mr.Cooper, is taking a position with a different agency. I had my last closing session with him this week. I hate searching for a new therapist as I find it to be a rather daunting task, but when the time comes, how should I go about searching for one?

[Elace1]

Well, ideally He shoukd have enough care and concern for You as a lient and assist in transferring you to another therapist who he feels is a good fit.

[CalicoPurpl90 in reply to Elace1]

He did provide three referrals for me. I was just considering the possibility of finding another therapist on my own in case the referrals he gave me do not work out. I have been struggling to find a therapist that is a good fit for me and that does not charge too much.

[Lazy_dog_lover]

I asked my psychiatrist for a recommendation and I specifically wanted someone who would challenge me. I am an expert at chatting away a whole session without getting my most pressing needs in the conversation.

Be proactive. When you do find someone, tell them that is what you want. Strategies. Challenge your beliefs. You have not found it useful to have a passive therapist. Be honest.

[Laurennnnnnn]

I have the same problem!! I’m so good at smiling and nodding at everything they say, but really nothing is getting through lol

[CalicoPurpl90]

Thanks guys. I will try doing that. I was doing some searching and I found a therapist that sounded really good. I might try calling or emailing him and let him know what I am looking for and most importantly if he is taking new patients. My last therapist kept cutting my time short, we were wrapping things up after 30 minutes and I'm not sure why. Considering the number of sessions I had with him, I should have made better progress than I did, but I don't think he was a good fit for me and there was too much "chatting."

[LoveBear]

Appreciate this post - how do people handle therapy when they struggle to talk. I don’t know what’s going on, I don’t know how I feel, I have nothing to say...my therapist is so patient I don’t know how he puts up with me.

[CalicoPurpl90 in reply to LoveBear]

Thanks LoveBear. I know what you mean. I have a very hard time opening up during therapy. It has always been a struggle with any therapist I have seen. I've been getting better at trying to come prepared with something to talk about. Otherwise I leave my session feeling unsettled only to realize later on that there was so much more I could have talked about. It just takes time and practice I guess. And finding the right fit.

[LoveBear in reply to CalicoPurpl90]

Thanks - I trust my therapist and honestly I’ve shared more with him over the last two years than anyone. Sometimes there’s so much in my head and I don’t know what it is or how I feel. I like the idea of getting thoughts on paper before our session. I really want to get better...