8 Reasons Why Therapy Might Not Do the Trick: Why You Might Not Feel Better After Therapy

While therapy can be a great way to work through problems and issues that are causing distress, it is not always effective. There are a number of reasons why therapy might not do the trick and why you might not feel better afterwards. In this article, we’ll explore eight of these reasons and investigate what can be done to overcome the struggles that might be holding you back.

When Therapy May Not Help: Unpacking the Reasons

Sometimes, therapy may not be the best approach for addressing difficult life situations. This could be because there is no underlying psychological issue to work on, or because the issue is so complex that there is no easy solution. Other times, the therapeutic process may not be well-suited to the individual, or the therapist may not be experienced enough to provide the support needed.

Therapy can also fail if the individual is resistant to the process or uncooperative with the therapist. In some cases, the therapist may be inexperienced in the methods used in therapy, or the individual may be unwilling to take the necessary steps to make progress.

Examining the Possibility That Therapy Doesn’t Make You Feel Better

It is also possible that therapy simply isn’t helping. This could be due to a number of factors, such as a bad fit between the client and the therapist, or a lack of trust in the therapeutic process. It may be that the therapist is not adequately addressing the core issues that the individual is facing, or the goal of the therapy is unclear.

Alternatively, there may be a lack of progress due to a lack of understanding of the individual’s condition. This could be because the individual is not communicating their issues clearly, or because the therapist is not properly trained in the necessary techniques.

Investigating What Might Be Holding You Back After Therapy

It is important to identify any potential blocks that might be preventing you from making progress after therapy. These can range from fear of failure to a lack of confidence in the therapeutic process. It is also important to look at how you can best support yourself, both during and after therapy.

It is also essential to examine any potential self-sabotaging behaviors or thoughts that may be preventing progress. Self-doubt, guilt, or low self-esteem can all be major obstacles in the therapeutic process.

Overcoming the Struggles of Not Feeling Better After Therapy

If you’re not feeling better after therapy, it is important to seek additional help. This may involve seeing a different therapist, or seeking assistance from a different type of professional. It is also important to look at alternative methods of support, such as talking to friends and family, or engaging in activities that provide comfort and relaxation.

It is also essential to remember that progress can take time, and it is important to be patient and gentle with yourself. It can be helpful to keep track of any positive changes that occur, and to focus on your successes, no matter how small.

Examining How to Move Forward After Therapy Doesn’t Work

If you’ve tried therapy and still don’t feel better, it can be difficult to figure out how to move forward. It is important to look at why therapy may not have been successful, and to adjust your expectations accordingly. It is also essential to look at other forms of support and to approach the situation with an open mind.

It can be helpful to set realistic goals and to trust in the process. It is also essential to take care of yourself during this time, by engaging in activities that provide comfort and relaxation. Above all, it is important to remember that you are not alone and that there are people who are willing to help.

Therapy can be a great way to work through difficult life issues, but it is not always effective. There are a number of reasons why therapy might not do the trick and why you might not feel better afterwards. By examining the underlying reasons and exploring alternative forms of support, it is possible to overcome the struggles of not feeling better after therapy and find the help and support you need.

Sources

• Kernberg, Otto F., “Structural Interviewing: Interviewing for Personality Disorders”, in Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry/VI, pp. 2840–2854, edited by Harold I. Kaplan et al., Williams and Wilkins, 1995
• Freeman, Arthur, et al., “The Therapeutic Alliance: An Evidence-Based Guide to Practice”, Oxford University Press, 2004
• Seligman, Martin E. P., “The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program to Safeguard Children Against Depression and Build Lifelong Resilience”, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2006