Occasionally a client in psychotherapy does not improve or even seems to get worse. At times you may question whether or not your therapist is providing the right treatment. At other times, you may become angry or feel hurt because of something your therapist said or did. These situations can be difficult for a client to evaluate.
Even when therapy is going well, there are difficult times. When people discuss personal and difficult topics, they often become very sensitive to the therapist’s reaction.
Trust may be particularly difficult for some people. The reliving of past emotions is often an important part of therapy, and past conflicts may seem to be repeated in therapy. The process of experiencing these feelings with new skills is healing, but it is also difficult.
When problems or concerns do come up in therapy, it is important to discuss them with your therapist. Remember that therapists are professionals, and part of their job is to answer your questions about your treatment. If the answers your therapist gives don’t seem satisfactory, then getting a second opinion is a good idea. Second opinions are your right. To get a second opinion, contact another therapist and ask for an evaluation. It is not necessary to tell your original therapist before seeking a second opinion. However, if you do decide to continue with your original therapist, you should discuss your concerns as well as the fact that you sought a second opinion.