Best way to break up with a therapist?

I posted on the boards a few times about wanting to start CBT. I have a p-dr who also does t and I meet him once a month already. I called into a practice and expressed an interest in starting CBT and then got signed up for a t. At the time, I really wanted to have someone who could do weekends, so I think they had a hard time placing me with someone except for this one person, who does advertise doing CBT. In the beginning, I told her I'd read books about CBT, was eager to address issues with 'automatic thoughts', etc. So far, she has only done talk t with me, and I don't think she likes me very much. I've been coping fine, using moodnotes (a great CBT app/moodtracker for the iphone), etc. I knew I didn't want more talk t, I want something structured to address a specific problem, not talk about general things. So I've been thinking about how to stop seeing her. Any suggestions? Should I try to force her to do CBT? I'd think if she really wanted to, she would've started by now. I've seen her for about 6-8 weeks.

I agree. If she really wanted to do CBT, she should have done it already.

I wouldn't force her to do it. If she doesn't want to do it, then it's not worth it. She might give you attitude or do something to spite you... or she'd do it begrudgingly.

You need to find a new therapist, one who actually listens to you. Remember: your therapist works for YOU. You're paying HER to do a specific job, and if she's not doing it, then she should be fired.

If you're nervous about breaking up with her, you can just give a BS reason, like, "I can't afford therapy anymore" or "I think I'm doing well and I think I'm done with therapy."

Another idea is (and I wouldn't really recommend it) sign up for another therapy appointment, then call her up later and cancel it. You can say the appointment doesn't work with your schedule, and that you'll call her back when you figure it out. (Of course you wouldn't call her back, but you tell her that anyway).

Yeah, I like the calling up and cancelling idea. I'm a chicken ****.

Me too, that's why I'm asking on here . Most stuff is done through them via email and in person. I don't ever call, which is the one tricky bit. But I will see if maybe email works. A bit worried she's going to charge me $70 for canceling or whatever, but I suppose that's better than more of this.

It doesn't sound like you are a good fit with her. That's OK. There are others you can find that are more CBT oriented. Good luck and keep us posted.

She shouldn't charge you if you cancel well in advance. Another option is to tell her that are busy at work/home/family right now and will contact her later about scheduling the next appointment. "Later" could be never.

It would be best to tell the therapist that you are discontinuing your sessions because it is not working for you. It doesn't matter whether you do this by email, text, or voicemail, it is something that needs to be said.

The only time it was ever easy was graduating from college and moving a few states away from my college-provided therapist....but moving might be extreme. (And that never exactly ended, he's still my friend but that's a long story).

Stop going