Something Feels a Little Off...
The relationship you have with your therapist is essential to your well-being. However, not all therapists provide the level of care you deserve, and identifying unprofessional behavior is key to making sure you get the right support. Here are ten signs that your therapist might not be working in your best interest.
1. Your Therapist Often Interrupts
Therapy should feel like a calm, steady conversation where your thoughts take the lead. If your therapist keeps interrupting, it can throw everything off. It might even feel like they’re more focused on their own thoughts than helping you. That’s your cue to find someone who truly listens.
2. You Leave Feeling Confused
Have you ever left a session with more doubts than answers? That's not how it should work. Therapy should clear the fog, not add to it. Feeling misunderstood or dismissed can erode your progress. Remember: understanding and validation are the keys to growth, not confusion and doubt.
3. They Share Too Much
Your therapy sessions should revolve around you, not your therapist’s weekend plans. When they overshare, it can blur boundaries and shift the focus away from your healing. A good therapist keeps the spotlight on your journey. Hence, if their stories start controlling the conversation, taking a step back and reevaluating is key.
4. There's No Plan for Progress
Healing works best when there’s a clear plan in place. Wandering through therapy without goals can leave you feeling stuck and unsure of your progress. Plus, a great therapist keeps things on track by setting milestones and checking in along the way. Without that structure, it’s easy to feel like you’re not moving forward.
5. You Feel Judged During Sessions
Shame has no place in therapy. A judging glance or a dismissive tone can hinder your confidence. Therapy should wrap you in acceptance and should definitely not bother you with judgment. Sessions that make you shrink instead of thrive signal it’s time to step out and find better ground.
6. They Regularly Miss Appointments
Consistency is key in therapy. Think that you’ve rearranged your schedule, mentally prepared to open up, and then—nothing. It’s disruptive to the progress you’re trying to make. A missed appointment here and there might happen, but when it becomes a habit, it’s a clear sign something’s off.
7. They Don’t Maintain Confidentiality
In therapy, you can expect your personal thoughts and feelings to remain confidential between you and your therapist. However, if your therapist starts casually mentioning details about other clients or, worse, shares your private information with others, it’s a major breach of trust. Confidentiality is the backbone of the therapist-client relationship.
8. They Push Their Beliefs Onto You
A therapist who frequently imposes their personal opinions or insists that their perspective is the only correct one can foster an unproductive and unhelpful environment. In contrast, an effective therapist respects your individuality and encourages you to discover your own path rather than attempting to mold you into their vision of what is "right."
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9. They Make You Feel Overly Dependent
Therapy should feel like learning to ride a bike, with your therapist there to guide and cheer you on. But some therapists act like they’ve permanently bolted on training wheels, which makes you believe you can’t pedal forward without them. Instead of building your confidence, they keep you circling back to them for every little thing.
10. They Lack Professional Credentials
A trustworthy therapist has proper training, certifications, and licensing to practice. If your therapist avoids discussing their qualifications or seems unprepared, it’s a serious concern. Therapy is a professional field, and unqualified practitioners can do more harm than good. Always verify credentials when choosing a therapist.
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