Your therapist makes you feel worse. You sit on the couch, trying to open up and be vulnerable. But your therapist just sits there, staring at you with an intensity that makes you want to run away. Or maybe they offer well-meaning but unhelpful advice that makes you feel like you’re not good enough.
Maybe they try to top your stories with their own tales of woe, or they invalidate your feelings by suggesting that they’re not really as bad as you think they are. Whatever the case may be, you leave your sessions feeling worse than when you came in.
And it’s not just that your therapist hasn’t helped you to solve your problems – it’s that they’ve made you feel like there’s something wrong with you for having them in the first place. If this sounds familiar, then it’s time to find a new therapist. In this article, we’ll explore the query “My therapist makes me feel worse” and how to deal with it.
There’s no shame in admitting that someone isn’t a good fit for you, and there are plenty of other therapists out there who will be better able to help you on your journey to healing.
4 Main Ways Why Do I Feel Embarrassed After Therapy?
For many people, the idea of therapy can be embarrassing. After all, therapy is often seen as a sign of weakness or mental illness. And yet, there are many perfectly healthy and well-adjusted people who benefit from therapy. So why do so many people feel embarrassed after therapy? There are a few possible explanations.
1. Therapy Can Be Seen As a Negative Idea
People get embarrassed by therapy because they take it as negative and detrimental. Here are a few reasons for such thinking:
- First, therapy can be seen as a threat to our self-image. We like to think of ourselves as strong and independent, and admitting that we need help can be difficult.
- Second, therapy can be seen as an admission of failure. We may feel like we should be able to solve our own problems, and seeking help can feel like we’re admitting that we can’t.
- Finally, therapy can be seen as a sign of weakness. We may worry that others will see us as weak or crazy if they find out we’re in therapy.
However, it’s important to remember that therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to seek help, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
2. Some People May Feel That They Are Not Good Enough for Therapy
Why do you feel embarrassed after therapy? You may be feeling this way because you think that therapy is only for people with mental health issues, and you may not feel like you have a mental health issue.
Or, you may feel like you should be able to handle your problems on your own and that seeking help is a sign of weakness. Therapy is actually for everyone. It is a place where you can go to talk about your problems and figure out ways to solve them.
It is a safe place to talk about anything that is going on in your life, without judgment. You should not feel embarrassed about going to therapy, because it is a place for everyone.
3. Others May Feel That They Are Being Judged by Their Therapist
Why Do you Feel Embarrassed After Therapy? It can be really tough to open up about the things that bother us most. We might feel like we’re being judged, or that we’re not able to keep up with the therapy sessions. Sometimes, we might even feel embarrassed after therapy. Here are a few reasons why you might feel this way:
- You might feel like you’re being judged by your therapist. This is a common fear, but it’s important to remember that your therapist is there to help you, not to judge you.
- You might feel like you’re not able to keep up with the therapy sessions. This is normal! It takes time to get used to talking about our feelings, and we might not be able to process everything right away.
- You might feel embarrassed after therapy because you’re worried that others will find out what you’ve talked about in the session. Remember, though, that therapy is confidential and your therapist will not share anything you’ve said without your permission.
If you’re feeling embarrassed after therapy, try to remember that these feelings are normal and that they’ll eventually go away. If you continue to feel uncomfortable, talk to your therapist about it. They’ll be able to help you work through these feelings and make progress in therapy.
4. Some People May Feel That They Are Being Exposed
Why do you feel embarrassed after therapy? You are sharing very personal information with a complete stranger who is professionally obligated to keep everything you say confidential. So why does it feel like such a risk?
There are a few reasons why you may feel this way. First, we are not used to talking about our innermost thoughts and feelings. It can be scary to reveal vulnerabilities that we have spent our whole lives hiding.
Second, we may worry that the therapist will judge us or think less of us if they know the details of our lives. Third, we may be afraid that the therapist will tell other people what we have said.
Even though it can be scary, therapy can be a very important and helpful process. In order to get the most out of therapy, it is important to be open and honest with your therapist.
If you find yourself feeling embarrassed during therapy, try to remember that your therapist is there to help you and they are required by law to keep everything confidential.
Is It Normal To Feel Triggered After Therapy?
Yes, it is normal to feel triggered after therapy. According to a study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, around 50% of people who undergo therapy report feeling triggered.
This may be due to the nature of therapy, which often involves discussing sensitive topics that may have been suppressed for a long time. If you are feeling triggered, it is important to reach out for support.
There are many resources available to you, including therapist networks, online forums, and support groups.
What Does Therapist Burnout Feel Like?
For many people who work in the helping professions, such as therapists, burnout is a very real and ever-present danger. So what does therapist burnout actually feel like?
1. Tired And Exhausted
For one thing, someone who is suffering from therapist burnout will often feel incredibly tired, both physically and emotionally. They may find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning and may feel like they are carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. As the day goes on, they may feel increasingly drained and may find it hard to focus on anything.
2. Cynicism And Negative Mind-Set
Another symptom of therapist burnout is a pervasive sense of cynicism and negativity. Everything may start to feel pointless and futile, and the sufferer may start to withdraw from friends and activities that they once enjoyed. They may also start to question their own professional competence and worthiness.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to reach out for help. Burnout can be incredibly damaging to your health and well-being, so don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance if you are struggling.
3 Strong Reasons Why Am I Angry After Therapy?
Why Am I Angry After Therapy? It’s a question that I hear all too often from clients. And it’s a question that I struggled with for years myself. Here are three possible explanations:
1) You Feel Unheard or Invalidated in Therapy
If you don’t feel like your therapist is really listening to you or taking your concerns seriously, it’s only natural that you would feel angry and frustrated. Remember, though, that it’s okay to speak up if you’re not happy with the way therapy is going. If your therapist isn’t receptive to your feedback, it might be time to look for someone else.
2) You’re Not Making Progress As Quickly as You’d Like
Therapy can be a slow and frustrating process, especially if you’re dealing with deep-seated issues. It’s easy to become disillusioned and angry if you don’t see progress being made. But it’s important to remember that change takes time. Hang in there and trust the process.
3) You’re Afraid of What Will Happen if You Open Up in Therapy
For some people, anger is a defense mechanism. It’s easier to stay angry and shut down emotionally than it is to face the pain of whatever issue you’re dealing with. If this is the case for you, know that it’s okay to be scared. But know also that therapy can be a safe place to explore those fears and begin the healing process.
Is Crying After Therapy Session Normal?
Crying during or after a therapy session can be a very normal and healthy reaction. It can be a release of emotions that have been bottled up, a way of communicating what you are feeling, or simply a way to release built-up tension.
People cry after therapy sessions for many reasons.
One of the main reasons is that they are finally able to let go of all the emotions they have been bottling up. This can be a very emotional experience, and often leads to tears.
Another reason people cry after therapy sessions is that they feel relieved. They may have been struggling with their emotions for a long time, and finally getting help feels like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. This relief can also lead to tears.
Finally, crying after therapy sessions can be due to the fact that people are sad. They may have realized during the session that they have been through a lot of pain and loss, and this realization can be heartbreaking. Crying is often a way of expressing this sadness.
14 Formidable Signs of a Bad Therapist
There are many different types of therapists out there, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. However, there are some signs that may indicate that a therapist is not a good fit for you.
- They don’t seem to have a good understanding of the theory or approach they’re using.
- They don’t keep up with new developments in their field.
- They’re not interested in your feelings or experiences.
- They don’t seem to care about you as a person.
- They’re dismissive of your concerns or problems.
- They’re judgmental and critical of you.
- They make you feel worse about yourself.
- They’re constantly trying to fix you or change you.
- They use therapy sessions to unload their personal problems on you.
- They monopolize the conversation and won’t let you speak.
- They give advice without asking what you want or need.
- Their advice is always wrong or impractical.
- They ignore or deny your feelings or experiences.
- They make unrealistic promises or guarantees about therapy outcomes.
5 Ways You Haven’t Found the Right Therapist For Yourself
You may have been to therapy before and it didn’t help, or you may have never been but are considering it. You might be wondering how to know if you haven’t found the right therapist yet.
- You’re Not Looking in the Right Places: There are a lot of therapists out there, and not all of them are good for everyone. Make sure you’re looking in the right places, like online directories or therapist referral services.
- You’re Not Looking Hard Enough: Don’t be afraid to search high and low for the right therapist. If you don’t find someone immediately, keep looking until you find someone who is a good fit for you.
- You’re Not Compatible With Their Style: Not all therapists are compatible with every person. Make sure you ask about their style and how they work before making an appointment.
- They’re Not a Good Fit for Your Needs: Not all therapists are good at treating every problem. Make sure you ask about their areas of expertise before making an appointment.
- They’re Too Expensive: Therapists can be expensive, but it’s worth it to find one that is affordable and fits into your budget.
7 Tips To Cope With Post-Therapy Blues To Make You Well-Balanced
We all know the feeling of elation that comes with finally finishing up therapy. After weeks, months, or even years of hard work, you can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
But what happens when that feeling fades and you’re left feeling lost and alone? This is often referred to as the “post-therapy blues” and it’s important to be prepared for it. Here are some tips on how to cope:
- Don’t Be Hard on Yourself: It’s common to feel a bit down after therapy, even if it was helpful. Give yourself time to adjust and don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re not feeling great right away.
- Talk to Your Support System: Whether it’s friends, family, or a therapist, talking to someone who understands can be really helpful. It can help you process your thoughts and feelings and figure out how to move forward.
- Write Down How You’re Feeling: Keeping a journal or writing down your thoughts can be a cathartic way to deal with post-therapy blues. It can also help you track your progress and see how far you’ve come.
- Take Care of Yourself: Eating well, getting enough rest, and exercising are all important for helping you feel better emotionally and physically. Make sure to schedule some time for self-care.
- Do Something That Makes You Happy: Whether it’s listening to music, going for walks in nature, or spending time with loved ones, do something that brings joy into your life. This can help boost your mood and make dealing with the blues more bearable.
- Be Patient: Remember that healing takes time and there is no magic cure for the post-therapy blues. Be patient with yourself and trust that things will get better in due time.
- Seek Professional Help If Needed: If you’re feeling particularly low or struggling to cope, seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide additional support and guidance during this difficult time.
Conclusion
Your therapist should be a person you can lean on for support and guidance. However, sometimes, your therapist can unintentionally make you feel worse. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to remember that you are not alone.
Many people have had similar experiences and there are ways to cope. First, try to talk to your therapist about how you are feeling. It can be difficult to open up, but it is important to communicate your needs.
If your therapist is unable or unwilling to meet those needs, it may be time to consider finding a new therapist. Remember, you deserve to feel supported and cared for, so don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my therapist makes me feel worse?
If your therapist is making you feel worse, it is important to talk to them about it. It is possible that they are not aware that they are causing this reaction and need to be made aware of the situation.
If the therapist continues to make you feel worse, you may need to find a new therapist.
Why does my therapist make me feel worse?
There could be many reasons why your therapist makes you feel worse. They may be asking too many personal questions, pushing you too hard, or not taking your feelings into account.
If you can’t figure out why your therapist is making you feel worse, talk to them about it.
How do you tell your therapist they upset you?
When you are feeling upset or hurt by something your therapist said or did, it is important to speak up and express your feelings. This can be difficult to do, but expressing yourself in a respectful way can help your therapist understand where you are coming from and resolve any issues.
Start by explaining how their words or behavior made you feel. Then, provide a specific example of what happened and why it upset you.
Make sure to be as honest and clear as possible, so your therapist can better understand your perspective and take appropriate action.
Additionally, it may be helpful to practice assertiveness techniques such as active listening or repeating back the conversation in order to ensure the points you are trying to make are heard and understood.
Finally, make sure to end the conversation on a positive note in order for it to be constructive instead of confrontational. This will help you both move forward in a productive and respectful manner.
What does therapist burnout feel like?
Therapist burnout can feel like a combination of physical and emotional exhaustion. It can include feelings of frustration, disillusionment, apathy, or even despair. It can lead to feeling overwhelmed with work, disconnected from clients and colleagues, or burned out on the profession as a whole.
Physical symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and a decrease in self-care.
It is important to recognize these signs of burnout quickly so that you can take action to protect your own mental health and well-being.
Do therapists get upset over clients?
Therapists can certainly get upset over clients, just like any other person. However, they are trained to have better control over their emotions and respond in a professional manner. They are also required by law and ethical standards to remain objective and non-judgemental when working with clients.
This means that even if the therapist is feeling frustrated or upset, they try their best to remain respectful and focus on the client’s needs.
If the therapist does feel overwhelmed or out of their depth, then they may refer the client to a different service or seek advice from colleagues.
Ultimately, therapists strive to show empathy and understanding towards their clients, even if they are feeling challenged by them.
What can I do to make my therapist-client relationship more positive?
There are a few things that you can do to make the relationship more positive. First, try communicating with your therapist about how you’re feeling.
Second, let them know if there are any topics that make you uncomfortable. Finally, be honest and open with your therapist.
References:
Amelia Tait (Sat 17 Jul 2021 ). ‘It was devastating’: what happens when therapy makes things worse? https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/jul/17/it-was-devastating-what-happens-when-therapy-makes-things-worse
Joseph Rauch (Oct 05, 2016). Why You Might Feel Bad (Or Worse) After Therapy. https://www.talkspace.com/blog/why-you-might-feel-bad-or-worse-after-therapy/