When does psychotherapy not work? – When the sessions do not produce results.
Psychotherapy can be like a beacon in dark waters, but there are times when it doesn’t work as you expected. You may be wondering: when does psychotherapy not work? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Let’s look at it together step by step, in a simple and understandable way.
What does it mean when psychotherapy doesn’t work?
When you start psychotherapy, you expect to see changes: to feel better, to understand yourself more deeply, to find solutions. However, sometimes you may feel “stuck” or see no improvement.
Possible reasons why it is not working
- There is no “chemistry” with the therapist
The relationship with the psychotherapist is fundamental. If you do not feel comfortable, if you do not feel that they understand you or that they are a good fit for you, then it is reasonable that the therapy cannot proceed.
Tip: Don’t take it personally. Talk to your therapist, tell them how you feel. If you feel that you are not compatible, you may need to find another specialist.
- Lack of commitment
Psychotherapy requires participation. If you go to a session just to “get it over with,” without being open or ready to dig deeper, the results will be incomplete.
Example: Think of psychotherapy as exercise. If you go to the gym but don’t put in the effort, your body will not change.
- You don’t have clear goals
If you don’t know what you want to work on, the journey of psychotherapy becomes unclear. A goal—small or large—gives you direction and a reason to continue. Ask your therapist for help in finding your orientation in therapy.
- You expect “magical” results
Psychotherapy is not a magic wand. It takes time, patience, and, above all, honesty with yourself.
When you need to rethink your path
If you notice that:
- time is passing without any change,
- you are leaving the sessions feeling worse or more confused,
- you feel that the meaning has been “lost,”
then it’s time to talk to your therapist. Perhaps this communication will change the course of your treatment; on the contrary, you may need a different approach, another specialist, or simply a break.
Other obstacles that may hinder progress
- Personal resistance.
- Without realizing it, you may be afraid of change. This is normal. We all have defenses.
- External difficulties.
- Problems in everyday life, finances, obligations. All of these affect psychotherapy.
- Inappropriate psychotherapy method.
Not all methods are suitable for everyone. If you feel that it is not suitable for you, look for other approaches (e.g., psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, synthetic, group analysis, systemic).
What to do if you feel that psychotherapy is not working
- Talk to your therapist. Don’t keep it inside. Your sessions belong to you, and your voice matters.
- Think about what you expect. Are you expecting too much in too little time?
- Give it time. Progress is not always linear. It can have ups and downs.
- Ask yourself. Is what is happening in my therapy a pattern in my life? This is your opportunity to work through it within the therapeutic relationship!
- Consider alternatives. Perhaps another type of psychotherapy would suit you better.
My personal experience
I remember a friend of mine who started psychotherapy and after four months felt that nothing had changed. She was stuck on the idea that the therapist didn’t understand her. When she decided to try another specialist, suddenly everything started to make sense. Perhaps it wasn’t the therapy that was “wrong” after all, but her relationship with the first therapist.
When does psychotherapy not work? – I answer your questions
- Does psychotherapy fail for everyone?
- No. It may not work at one stage of your life, but it may work later. Or you may need a different method.
- When should I stop psychotherapy?
- If you consistently feel that it is not helping you or if you see that it is causing you more anxiety than relief.
- Can psychotherapy be harmful?
- Rarely, but if it is not performed by a licensed and trained professional, it can cause confusion.
Take the next step
If you are looking to find out when psychotherapy does not work, you have missed the point. The goal is to feel ready. And whatever is bothering you, don’t leave it to chance. Contact a specialist and see how they can best suit your needs. Would you like to talk about your needs and find a new direction together?
