Your Guide to Switching Your Therapist on BetterHelp

Going to therapy or counseling is one of the first steps people take in times of crisis. A mental health counselor can help work through difficult feelings or stressors that may affect day-to-day life. While there is a lot of stigma around the term ‘mental health,’ the reality is that many people can benefit from therapy, whether they’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness or not. Platforms like BetterHelp are making therapy more accessible and destigmatizing it for everyone. 

If you are reading this article, you might be looking for a change in your therapy journey, which is normal for many people. It shows that you are courageous and do not refrain from making difficult decisions to improve your mental health. If your relationship with your therapist doesn’t feel quite right, then we are here to help you navigate the process of starting over with a new provider.

Overview of BetterHelp

BetterHelp was founded in 2013 and is one of the pioneers of e-therapy platforms. It is a leading global platform that aims to provide you with easily accessible and affordable mental health services online. You can get therapy from BetterHelp through live chatting, video calls, and audio calls. Their therapists are licensed and accredited psychologists in all categories. They have at least three years and 1,000 hours of experience in offering help in mental health matters. They are also HIPAA compliant and ensure that patient information stays secure. 

Types of Therapy at BetterHelp

Although psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is the most common type of counseling, studies show that there are more than 400 modalities of therapy. These techniques are used to improve and strengthen an individual’s mental, emotional, and social well-being. So in this article, we will be talking about some important therapies at BetterHelp to better find which suits you best. 

• Counseling: This is also known as ‘talk therapy,’ and has become the most common type of therapy used among individuals, couples, or families. The process involves meeting with a trained professional counselor to discuss life challenges and emotional distress. It can help with anger management, PTSD, depression, among others. The approach aims to resolve personal issues and meet personal goals in the long run.
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): CBT is one of the golden treatments for psychological concerns. CBT helps with anxiety, depression, and OCD in a one-on-one setting. It mainly works on changing the incorrect thought patterns that might hinder their everyday functioning. The approach focuses on the present as opposed to delving into past events. 
• Exposure Therapy: This is a psychological treatment developed to help conditions such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder or phobias. It allows clients to face their fears by continuously exposing them to their feared objects, activities, or situation through desensitization and done in a safe environment. 
• Group Therapy: This involves getting therapy with  a group of individuals who are experiencing a similar diagnosis or challenge.If you are battling emotional trauma, anxiety and physiological issues like coronary heart disease, group therapy will be effective for you. A group setting fosters growth and a positive environment that people usually crave. Moreover, a group setting is also ideal for treating substance abuse disorder.
• Couples Therapy: If you and your partner have been arguing lately or want to reignite the spark, this is the perfect choice for you. Couples therapy can help you understand your attachment styles and love languages. Moreover, you can learn effective communication methods.
• Family Therapy: While the family unit can be one of the strongest relationships you can have, that doesn’t mean you won’t experience hurdles affecting your proximity and familiarity. If you have concerns with multiple family constituents, then this type of therapy can be used to improve communication and reduce conflict. These concerns include divorce, domestic violence, substance use disorders, adoption, mental illness, among others.

Benefits of Smooth Therapist Transition

Transitioning to a new therapist can feel intimidating as you will need to re-establish a new level of trust and comfort with a person you’re not familiar with. However, a good therapist will help you smoothly transition with minimal stress.. This  allows the continuity of your therapy process, and you won’t have to start from stage one again. This could save time and energy since you will pick up where you left off with your previous therapist.

Evaluate Your Reasons For Change

When it comes to receiving therapy, one thing that matters the most is the bond between you and the therapist. If that bond does not develop, you might need to turn things around.Every therapist is different in terms of abilities, uniqueness, and personality. Some might match your preference, whereas the rest might not.

People often decide to switch therapists for various reasons, and it is perfectly okay to do so since your comfort is what matters the most. Whether you’re considering it or not, below are a few signs that may indicate it’s time for you to find a new therapist.

Lack of Connection and Compatibility

As per the American Psychological Association, your relationship with your therapist is just as important as the type of therapy you’re undergoing. If the If the therapist and client cannot work together when there is a lack of connection and compatibility, then this can be crucial to your well-being. It is necessary to build a bond  with your therapist by ensuring you feel safe and get a fruitful return. If you are unable to heal and grow with your therapist, it might be time to consider a change.

Stagnation in Therapy

Change takes time, so it’s normal to see a therapist for several months while you implement new patterns or process painful feelings. However, if you feel like there is a stage of stagnation and you are not makingprogress, your therapist should proactively suggest different techniques to reach your goals. If they continue to use the same techniques and there is no growth on your end, then it is recommended to switch therapists.  

Change in Therapy Goals

People often make a lot of progress in therapy, but along the way, their end goals change. Therapy gives people new insights in life, and it can eventually lead to discovering new goals. Typically, your therapist will check in from time to time to make sure your needs are being met. Therefore, it is beneficial to speak with your therapist so you can refocus on your new priorities. If they don’t have the expertise to help you achieve your new goals, then you may want to look for a therapist whose strengths better match your current needs.

The Therapist is Incompetent

Another concern people have is related to the competence of the therapist. While every therapist has their own specialization, some people might question this when they fail to see improvement. Finding a therapist who is properly trained to handle your presenting issue is your right, so switching sooner can prevent further damage.

The Therapist is Unreliable

Though unexpected things happen to everyone, your therapist should demonstrate a pattern of reliability. If they’re constantly canceling appointments or showing up late, this is your sign to look for a more organized and professional practitioner. Other red flags include answering calls or text messages during sessions and keeping a messy office.

The Therapist is Unethical

Unethical therapists betray the trust of their clients and violate professional codes of conduct. If your therapist has breached confidentiality or made sexual advances, it’s important to end all sessions immediately and report the therapist to the state licensure board or other appropriate authorities.  

The Therapist is Judgemental

Therapy is a safe space when you can be completely honest. While feelings of guilt and shame are a normal response to sharing an experience, a good therapist will never make a client feel uneasy, self-conscious, or awkward. If you are unable to express yourself freely because you feel judged or looked down upon, then it is time to find a different therapist.

Steps to Change Your Therapist on BetterHelp

Finding a good therapist is not always as simple as booking an appointment with the first name you come across. If ever you’re not seeing results with your current therapist, there is nothing wrong with switching practitioners in order to find someone who better suits your needs. While there are norules or manuals to changing your therapist on BetterHelp, there are a few steps you can take to make the switch as easy as possible 

Step 1: Access Your BetterHelp Account

First, log in to your BetterHelp account and review the “My therapist” section. Click on the “Change therapist” option.

Step 2: Complete the Change Counselor Form

There are some steps to ensure the process is complete. You must fill out a few forms to inform the website of your need for a new counselor. Here, you can explain your reasons for changing therapists. This will help the website match you to a more suitable therapist.

Step 3: Review Your New Therapist’s Profile

After filling out the forms, you’ll get a list of available therapists. You can navigate through the profiles of the different therapists and select according to your preference. You can also review the background information of your therapist, such as their experience, education, and even their approach to therapy. 

Step 4: Schedule a Session with Your New Therapist

Once you select your preferred therapist, you can schedule a session with them. You must highlight your concerns and the approach that works for you.

Step 5: Smooth Transition from Previous Therapist

You must openly and honestly communicate your needs with your new therapist to ensure a smooth transition from your previous therapist. This allows you to have continuity in your therapy journey.

Step 6: Ask for Record Transfers

You can request to transfer your previous records to your new therapist on the website. This way, your new therapist can can review it and create a plan accordingly.

Step 7: Build Rapport with a New Therapist

Now that your switch-up requirements are complete, you can startbuilding a strong therapeutic alliance with your new therapist to ensure a successful therapy journey. They understand how difficult it can be to change from someone you’ve bonded with to someone completely unknown. However, it’s important to let your therapist know how you feel about the transition. Building a rapport with your new therapist might take a few sessions.

FAQs

Wrapping up

BetterHelp’s main goal is to provide you with the help you truly deserve.  A lot of people ask questions about switching their therapist, and we have all the answers you’re looking for.. The key to growth is to make yourself a priority and make decisions that are good for your well-being. 

Make sure to check the specialization of the psychologist you will be consulting. Choosing a therapist with prior experience related to your case is highly recommended.