“Is it not working?”, “Am I doing something wrong?”, “Am I just wasting my time?”. If these thoughts cross your mind, you’re not alone, and most importantly, it doesn’t mean your therapy is failing. Many people make real progress without even realizing it. Psychotherapy isn’t a straight line. It’s not “I go in - I get fixed - I’m done.” It’s a journey. With stops, setbacks, pauses, and fresh starts. And all these obstacles are part of the process itself.
How will I know if psychotherapy is helping me? 🧩
Progress in therapy rarely looks like “suddenly everything is fine.” More often, it looks like small, quiet changes that build up over time. Here’s what to look for:
1️⃣ You understand yourself better.
You’re not just reacting; you’re starting to observe.
“Oh, I’m getting angry now because I feel ignored.”
This awareness is a big step.
2️⃣ You handle difficult emotions better.
It doesn’t mean you don’t get upset.
It means they don’t overwhelm you like they used to.
You have more space inside yourself.
3️⃣ You speak more openly - even outside of therapy.
You set boundaries more clearly.
You say “no” without so much guilt.
You ask for what you need.
4️⃣ You don’t judge yourself so harshly.
Your inner voice becomes a little more compassionate.
And that changes everything - especially the image you have of yourself and what you’re worth as a person.
5️⃣ You make different choices.
Maybe not always the “right” ones, but more conscious ones.
And that’s what growth is all about.
6️⃣ Even when you’re struggling, you know you’re not alone.
You have a safe space - your therapy - where you can return again and again.
If you recognize even 1 or 2 of these, then something has already been set in motion. And in therapy, that “something” is often enough to keep going.
Make your mental health a priority and start your own journey with a licensed psychologist. Every session is a small step toward better understanding yourself and feeling more at ease in your life.
Do you feel like you’ve “hit a wall” in therapy?
That feeling of stagnation is completely normal. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It often means you’ve reached a deeper, more challenging stage in the process.
If you feel this way, here’s what you can do:
1. Bring it up in your session
Just say it: “I feel like we’re not making progress,” “I’m not sure if this is helping me.”
This is therapeutic material.
2. Share your doubts or discomfort
If something about the process doesn’t feel right to you - the pace, the style, the topics - then it’s worth bringing up. Therapy isn’t a monologue. It’s a relationship.
3. Ask yourself: Is this just a phase, or is it a mismatch?
Sometimes it’s just a difficult phase. Other times, this particular therapist might not be the right fit for you, and that’s not anyone’s failure.
At myTherapist, if you feel like you need a change, we’re here to support you in a discreet and organized way so you can find the next therapist who’s right for you - no awkward processes, no guilt, and no feeling alone. 🌿
When is it okay to consider switching therapists?
It’s okay to consider switching when:
- You don’t feel safe expressing yourself.
- There’s no trust.
- You consistently feel like you’re not being heard.
- Your goals are not aligned.
It is not OK to stay in therapy that does not offer you space, growth, or safety, simply out of fear of “giving up.” ❌
Long-term care: Therapy as a tool for life
Psychotherapy isn’t a “one-and-done” solution. It’s not something you only do when you’re falling apart. It’s a tool. And tools are something we pick up and put down when we need them.
You can:
- You might go to therapy for 6 months.
- You might take a break.
- You might return after 2 years.
- You might leave again.
- And come back again.
And all of this is perfectly healthy. Therapy isn’t an identity; it’s support. And you don’t have to be “bad enough” to come back. All you need is the desire to take care of yourself.
If you’re thinking of stopping, don’t just disappear without a word
One of the most common phenomena in therapy is silent dropout:
You don’t schedule another appointment. You don’t explain why. You just stop. Not because you don’t care.
But because:
- You feel doubt.
- You feel awkward.
- You feel like you’re “not making progress.”
- You don’t know how to say it.
But this conversation can be one of the most therapeutic moments of the entire process. Even if you end up leaving, saying it has value for you and your therapy. The best therapy isn’t the one that “has no difficulties.” It’s the one that endures the difficulties and keeps going.
So, how does psychotherapy help and when do you see results?
The right question isn’t:
“Does it work or doesn’t it?”
It is:
- “Am I learning something about myself?”
- “Do I have a little more space inside me?”
- “Do I feel a little less alone with what I’m carrying?”
If the answer is even a little bit yes, then something valuable is happening. And if you feel like you’re stuck? Speak up. Ask questions. Challenge the process. Ask for a change. Take a break. Come back. All of these are part of therapy, not proof that it has failed.
We’re here to help you find the psychologist who’s truly right for you. Change isn’t a failure - it’s taking care of yourself. Take the first step toward regaining your inner balance.
Bibliography
- Horvath, A. O., Del Re, A. C., Flückiger, C., & Symonds, D. (2011). Alliance in individual psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, 48(1), 9–16. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022186
- Lambert, M. J. (2013). The efficacy and effectiveness of psychotherapy. In M. J. Lambert (Ed.), Bergin and Garfield’s handbook of psychotherapy and behavior change (6th ed., pp. 169–218). Wiley.
- Swift, J. K., & Greenberg, R. P. (2012). Premature discontinuation in adult psychotherapy: A meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 80(4), 547–559. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0028226
