[OceanBreeze4581]

I am debating whether or not to change therapists. I have been seeing one for about six months and I really like her, but I just don't think I'm making the progress I want.

My current therapist is very focused on mindfulness -- rather than talking or venting about issues for an hour, we might discuss a topic and then focus on the physical aspect of it. For example, what was I feeling when I got really anxious, how can I use those feelings to better predict anxiety, etc. I also really appreciate that she is calm -- she is quiet, soft-spoken, and just being in her office brings about a sense of calm which is lovely.

All that being said, I think I am at a point now where I want to be more challenged. I don't want each session to just be about taking deep breaths and talking about how I feel physically. Sometimes I want to vent and b**** about something that happened. Sometimes I want to leave with useful tools that I can use in my daily life.

I reached out to another therapist who a friend recommended and spoke with her last week for the first time. She was funny and engaging, much more talkative in a sense. I also liked that she was very up front in saying that she sees part of her role as being a challenger, of sorts -- helping you explore things from a different perspective, and calling you on your BS. I left the conversation feeling like she may be a great match for where I am now.

So, therein lies the conundrum. Do I leave the therapist who I really, really like? Or do I tell her that I need things to change and see if she's amenable to that? Or do I jump ship and go to a new therapist?

Any advice would be appreciated!

[Anastasia~]

Maybe discuss it with your current therapist and see what she says. Tell her exactly what you wrote, that you are at the point that you want a different style of therapy (I"m not sure what to call it). Then go from there. Since you like her, if she tells you she doesn't do therapy any other way, then maybe she can give you a few good referrals. Let us know how it goes!

[kecanoe]

What about seeing both for a while? Every other week or whatever works for your schedule/budget.

[OceanBreeze4581]

Originally Posted by kecanoe

What about seeing both for a while? Every other week or whatever works for your schedule/budget.

Do people do that, see two therapists at once? How does that work? Would you tell them you are seeing someone simultaneously? This is like dating! Haha

[StickyTwig]

I would encourage you to switch. Mindfulness can be done alone and can be learned from books. However, to be really challenged requires another person to give input. The new therapist you liked may not be available forever (who knows) so I would give her a shot while you can.

I would agree with what Anastasia said. Just be honest, and tell your current therapist that although she has been very helpful and makes you feel really calm and good, you also want to try something new.