Yes, You Can Switch Therapists. Here’s How….
I remember the first time a client told me they wanted to switch to a new therapist. I felt different feelings. First and foremost, I thought I had failed as a counselor. That I would never be a good counselor. Once I was able to talk to some of my colleagues, they assured me this is healthy for the therapeutic process. I was relieved and soon began to understand this is about what’s best for the people I counsel. They need to have a safe place, someone they can connect with and overall feel they are making progress.
Finding the right therapist can be one of the most important parts of your healing journey. Therapy is an intimate, vulnerable process, it’s where you open up, explore painful emotions, and challenge long-held beliefs about yourself. It makes sense that you need to feel safe, seen, and understood in that space.
But what happens when you don’t?
Many people stay with a therapist even when something doesn’t feel right. They worry it’s “wrong” to switch, fear starting over, or feel guilty about leaving someone who’s been trying to help. The truth is: you absolutely can switch therapists. In fact, sometimes it’s the healthiest decision you can make.
When It Might Be Time to Switch Therapists
Every therapeutic relationship goes through ups and downs, but there are clear signs that it may be time to look for someone new:
You don’t feel understood or emotionally safe.
If you leave sessions feeling dismissed, judged, or unseen, it can be hard to make progress. Trust and safety are non-negotiable in therapy.You’re not seeing growth or progress.
Therapy isn’t supposed to be instant magic, but if you’ve been working together for a while and still feel stuck, it’s worth exploring whether a different approach, or therapist, might help.There’s a mismatch in style or personality.
Some therapists are more structured and goal-oriented, while others are more reflective and conversational. If your therapist’s style doesn’t align with how you process best, it may be a poor fit rather than a personal failure.You avoid or dread sessions.
Occasional discomfort is part of growth, but chronic dread is often your intuition telling you the relationship isn’t working.
Ethical or boundary concerns.
If your therapist crosses boundaries, fails to maintain confidentiality, or behaves unprofessionally, it’s important to prioritize your safety and well-being by seeking someone else.
How to Switch Therapists Gracefully and Confidently
If you’ve realized your current therapist isn’t the right fit, here’s how to make the transition thoughtfully:
Reflect first.
Ask yourself what’s missing or what you need that you’re not getting. This helps you identify what to look for next time, whether it’s a new therapeutic style, cultural understanding, or communication approach.Talk about it (if you feel comfortable).
It can be valuable to bring up your concerns directly. A good therapist will welcome feedback and may even help you clarify what you need. In some cases, this conversation strengthens the relationship; in others, it helps you transition more cleanly.Ask for a referral.
Many therapists can recommend trusted colleagues who might be a better fit. This isn’t unusual or offensive, it’s part of professional ethics and client-centered care.Schedule consultations.
Most therapists offer brief consultations to see if you’re a good match. Use this time to ask about their approach, experience, and communication style. Trust your gut, comfort and connection matter more than credentials alone.
Give yourself permission to start fresh.
It’s normal to feel awkward or even guilty about leaving your therapist, but remember: therapy is about you. Finding the right fit is an act of self-respect and self-advocacy.
A Healthy Fit Makes All the Difference
When therapy works, it feels collaborative and empowering. You feel heard, challenged with compassion, and supported in your growth. You should be able to bring your whole self into the room, messy parts included, and know that you’re met with empathy and skill. If that’s not your current experience, it’s okay to make a change. You deserve a therapist who helps you feel safe enough to heal and strong enough to grow.
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About Two Roads Wellness Clinic®
Two Roads Wellness Clinic® is an integrative wellness clinic. We truly believe in whole-person wellness and see more than just a list of symptoms.
At Two Roads Wellness Clinic®, we want you to experience the difference of personalized health care. We’re an integrative health clinic offering a vast array of services including, mental health treatments such as EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), family therapy, medication management, primary care, integrative nutritional support, personalized health reports and precision medicine with DNA testing, weight management program, life coaching, physical therapy, infrared sauna services, community education and outreach, and more.
The Two Roads Wellness Clinic® team of therapists, medical and nutrition staff, life coaches, physical therapists, and emotional support animals are ready to help you find an integrated approach to your wellness. To schedule an appointment, visit our contact page to get started at one of our convenient locations in Champaign, Danville, Mahomet or Covington, or learn more about Online Therapy and Medical Sessions.
Like the Robert Frost poem our name is based on, we want to help you find the path that makes a difference in YOUR life.
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by.
And that has made all the difference.”Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken”
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