It’s natural to feel unpleasant or even worse following therapy, especially in the early days of your treatment. You may think, “Why does my therapist make me feel worse? “. It’s a regular habit to feel this way. Don’t worry, it will pass with time.
To get better therapy, “Trust” is a must. So, trust your therapist and the process of therapy. To achieve long-term success in therapy, you have to be an active participant. Don’t expect miracles from your therapist.
In this context, I’m going to share with you my personal experience and how I feel after my session with my therapist. Let’s get started.
Is It Normal To Feel Worse After Seeing A Therapist?
It’s normal to feel worse after seeing a therapist. Generally, if you’re not used to talking about your feelings, then it can be difficult. It’s also common to feel like you’re not making progress.
After passing 1 or 2 months, you may feel better. If not, it might be time to consider changing therapists. There are several reasons why your therapist might make you feel worse.
1) You and your therapist may not be compatible.
2) Therapists may not be experienced.
3) The therapist may not be using the right approach for you.
4) You may be feeling worse. Because you’re actually making progress.
So, First of all “Take Your Time”; if you can’t find any progress after a few months, then you should “Try Another Therapist”.
What Symptoms Indicate That Something May Be Wrong?
There are a few different symptoms that may indicate that something is wrong with your mental health. If you are feeling more anxious or depressed than usual, then it is the first symptom.
Besides, having trouble sleeping and experiencing any kind of hallucinations are also symptoms. These signify that something is wrong. If you are feeling any of these more frequently, then it is time to consult with a mental health specialist.
So, what’s normal? After passing 1 month, you should not feel worse or something else. Your problem happens due to overthinking. It’s the root of mental health problems.
Can Therapy Make Trauma Worse?
Therapy can be a blessing for someone. It helps a person to get relief from the mental pain and anxiety. On the other hand, therapy can make you more aware of the traumas you have suffered in your life. It can also make those traumas feel more real. This can lead to feeling worse.
Let’s see a practical STORY!
Just Imagine! You are living your life. You have gone through some tough times, but you have survived. You are managing. Life is not perfect, but it is not as bad as it used to be. You have even started to feel hopeful about the future. Then you go to therapy and your therapist starts to ask you about your childhood.
IMAGINE THAT- “Your Childhood Was Not Better”
Suddenly, all the pain and hurt that you have tried to forget comes rushing back. In this type of scenario, your therapist makes you feel worse. This thing should not be done by a therapist.
So, What qualities should a professional therapist have?
REMEMBER THAT! A professional therapist never does this type of thing. A therapist can help you to process and understand your trauma, but they should never make you feel worse.
5 Warning Signs That You Are Not With the Right Therapist
Before taking any therapy, it’s important to determine whether you are with the right therapist or not. A wrong therapist can actually make your condition worse. Here are five warning signs that you might not be with the right therapist:
1) They make you feel uncomfortable
You may feel always on edge or defensive around your therapist. If you find yourself needing to explain away their actions or words, this is a red flag. No matter what time has passed, you will always feel uncomfortable.
2) Therapists give you unsolicited advice
A wrong therapist will be more focused on giving you advice instead of listening to you. They might also be quick to offer solutions to your problems. On the other hand, the right therapist will encourage you to find your own solutions. Besides, they will help you to see different perspectives.
3) They dismiss your feelings
Feelings are a sensitive issue. If your therapist minimizes or dismisses your feelings, this is not a good sign. A good therapist will affirm your sentiments.
4) Wrong Therapists are judgmental
A right therapist will never judge you. They understand that everyone is different and that we all make mistakes. If your therapist is constantly judging you, then they are not the right one for you. You should take a leave from them.
5) They make you feel like you’re crazy
Sometimes patients feel like their therapist thinks they’re crazy. If this ever happens to you, you need to leave right away. Never allow anyone to make you feel like you’re crazy just because you’re seeking help.
If you ever experience any of these warning signs, it’s time to find a new therapist. Don’t waste your time and money on someone who isn’t right for you.
Challenging Facts For Therapists
It’s a regular incident in which therapists witness their clients feeling worse after sessions. In fact, some research suggests that this is a more common occurrence than many clinicians realize. Here are some situations that prove challenging for therapists:
- The therapist-client relationship is unbalanced: The relationship between a therapist and client is naturally unbalanced. The therapist has more power, knowledge, and experience. This can sometimes create feelings of frustration and dependency.
- The therapist is challenging the client’s beliefs: To help a client grow, a therapist may challenge some of their deeply held beliefs. This can lead to feeling worse before feeling better. It’s important to keep your trust in the therapist.
- The therapist is pushing the client outside their comfort zone: A therapist’s goal is to help a client’s progress, even if it means making them feel uncomfortable. The healing process is not always linear. You may feel worse before feeling better.
These three challenges are not necessarily bad things. They are often necessary for growth and change. However, it’s important to be aware that they can lead to feeling worse before feeling better.
Final word
It’s not a good idea to spend a single second with a therapist who makes you feel worse. If your therapist is making you feel bad, it’s time to look for a new one. But, wait at least one month. Sometimes, you need time and have an adaptation factor.
Finally, I want to suggest that you “Never Judge A Book By Its Cover”. It means to never judge a therapist just by his/her degree. The right therapist for you is the one who understands you. Take your time to decide who is the best for you.
So, guys, now we are at the end of the content. If you want to know more details about the interaction between therapist and patient, just leave a comment. Thank You.