Needing to change psychologist

[Zzyli]

I've found out that my psychologist who I've been seeing for most of this year is going to be taking time off shortly for maternity leave so I won't be able to keep seeing her (she's planning to come back some time next year although I know that with maternity leave sometimes people end up extending their leave for a bit). I'm really disappointed about this as she's the first person I've seen who I've felt has been beneficial to speak to and helped me come up with some good anxiety management strategies for the things which trouble me in my life. This may partially be just because I've done more therapy and learnt more strategies over time, but it's nice to finally feel like someone is helping me (as I've seen several psychologists who I didn't really make a great connection with). The thought of having to see someone else, or just not having someone to fall back upon when she's not there is very stressful to me as I worry if I'll like any of the other people at her practice, or if they'll be as effective at helping me, or if I'll be able to manage things on my own. I was wondering if other people have needed to change their psychologist or therapist, and if they could share some personal experiences or tips on how they managed.

 

[Alex]

It's hard to change at times, but it's unhealthy to rely on and use a therapist as a crutch. People do fall into this trap, and a friend of mine who has a long term therapist works around this when the therapist goes on holiday, so it's possible.


While a therapist can help, don't forget you also do some of the work. What I suggest is before she goes to try other therapists with her . Maybe they can sit in with her for 10-15 minutes of a session and she can advise on who maybe best to take over while she is away. Don't forget she is a human being with her own life to lead too.

 

[Zzyli]

It's hard to change at times, but it's unhealthy to rely on and use a therapist as a crutch. People do fall into this trap, and a friend of mine who has a long term therapist works around this when the therapist goes on holiday, so it's possible.
While a therapist can help, don't forget you also do some of the work. What I suggest is before she goes to try other therapists with her . Maybe they can sit in with her for 10-15 minutes of a session and she can advise on who maybe best to take over while she is away. Don't forget she is a human being with her own life to lead too.

Thank-you so much for the advice! I don't think in my case it's so much that I'm super reliant on my therapist as much as it is that I find changes in my routine stressful and hard to deal with. I have mild obsessive tendencies and so sometimes things changing can generate a lot of discomfort and anxiety. I also think that it is a good idea to see if I can talk to the other therapists at the practice or take some recommendations about who may suit me well, or I may just decide that I don't need to see anyone. We have only been meeting once a month and while it's been good to talk, I generally manage things pretty well (except for changes in routine and plans which are still an area I can improve). I know in theory that change is an important part of life, but it can sometimes be a bit hard to deal with. I'm sure this is an opportunity to try out some of the skills which I've been learning though, which I guess is a positive.

 

[Alex]

Thank-you so much for the advice! I don't think in my case it's so much that I'm super reliant on my therapist as much as it is that I find changes in my routine stressful and hard to deal with. I have mild obsessive tendencies and so sometimes things changing can generate a lot of discomfort and anxiety. I also think that it is a good idea to see if I can talk to the other therapists at the practice or take some recommendations about who may suit me well, or I may just decide that I don't need to see anyone. We have only been meeting once a month and while it's been good to talk, I generally manage things pretty well (except for changes in routine and plans which are still an area I can improve). I know in theory that change is an important part of life, but it can sometimes be a bit hard to deal with. I'm sure this is an opportunity to try out some of the skills which I've been learning though, which I guess is a positive.

That's great that you feel that way. I think sometimes just knowing someone is there helps in the back of your mind even if you don't actively go and see them. Often other therapists know who would suit you and can make recommendations or suggestions.


Having options is always good, and better to have them before things happen. Changes can be both be scary and good; sometimes I have had to dig deep and I look back at what I have done and know that we, as humans can survive.