Feeling Stuck in Therapy? Here’s How to Move Forward
Feeling stuck in therapy is a common experience that can hinder personal growth and progress. Recognising this stagnation and taking proactive steps can revitalise your therapeutic journey. This blog will address the topic of feeling stuck in therapy, also called reaching a therapeutic impasse. If you are currently in treatment and perhaps are feeling stuck, this blog can help you identify why this might be happening and suggest some steps that you can take to move forward from here.
Is Therapy Not Progressing The Way You Hoped It Would
Recognising when therapy is not progressing as you would like is essential. Some common indicators may include repetitive discussions without new insights, feeling unchallenged or unengaged during sessions, avoiding discussing specific topics, and reduced enthusiasm about therapy. There are several reasons why this might be happening, such as a client’s fear of change. Therapy is not always easy, and it requires us to confront uncomfortable truths or make significant changes if we expect different outcomes. Another reason for feeling stuck in therapy might be due to inaction between sessions. For progress to occur, insights gained during treatment need to be applied in real life. Without taking actionable steps outside of sessions, progress may stall, and you might start feeling stuck.
Impasses Don’t Mean You Stop Therapy Completely
Reaching an impasse in your therapeutic journey does not have to mean that you have to stop therapy. Some strategies could help you move forward, such as the ones highlighted below:
1. Open communication with your therapist
Talk openly with your therapist about your stuckness. This can help the two of you collaborate to identify potential barriers and adjust your therapeutic approach accordingly.
2. Set specific, achievable goals
Having this open conversation with your therapist can help you define clear objectives for what you want to achieve and break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. This can help you shift your perspective and possibly give you a newfound enthusiasm for therapy.
3. Engage in self-reflection
Look at any other external factors or personal habits that may hinder your progress in therapy. Self-reflection can be helpful here, as assessing your commitment to the therapeutic process is essential. Therapy is not a magic wand; commitment to the work is required for progress.
4. Implement actions between sessions
Committing to the therapeutic process involves applying the strategies and insights gained during therapy to your daily life. Keeping a journal to track your experiences and reflections on your journey could help measure your progress.
5. Explore alternative therapeutic approaches
If you are feeling stuck in therapy, your therapist’s modality may not be a good fit for helping you reach your goals. Talk to your therapist about the possibility of using different techniques. Integrating a variety of methods can provide new perspectives.
6. Evaluate the therapeutic relationship
A good therapeutic relationship creates an environment where meaningful change can occur. Ensure you and your therapist have a strong rapport and trust. If necessary, consider seeking a second opinion or transitioning to a different therapist who better aligns with your needs.
Everything That Can Happen During The Therapy Journey
Therapy is a journey that requires time, effort, and dedication. It is natural to encounter periods of stagnation; however, remaining stuck can feel frustrating and disheartening. By actively addressing these feelings and collaborating with your therapist, you can overcome obstacles and continue on the path to personal growth and healing. Remember, feeling stuck is not a sign of failure but an opportunity to reassess and redirect your efforts toward meaningful change.
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue, you can reach out here.
Pamela Borg is a counsellor who enjoys working therapeutically with adults experiencing various issues. These include general mental health and well-being, gender, sexuality, and relationship issues.
References:
Bear in Mind Psychology (n.d.). When You’re Feeling Stuck in Therapy: A Guide to Getting Back on Track. Retrieved from: https://bearinmindpsychology.com.au/when-youre-feeling-stuck-in-therapy/
Hayes, S.C. (2023). Why People Get Stuck in Therapy and How They Get Better. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/get-out-of-your-mind/202307/why-people-get-stuck-in-therapy
The Center for Growth (n.d.). Feeling Stuck in Therapy. Retrieved from: https://thecenterforgrowth.com/tips/feeling-stuck-in-therapy
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