What is therapy? Part 8
How to assess your doubts about therapy?
Sometimes doubts are no more than a sign of the typically mixed feelings that come about while doing something uncomfortable. Sometimes they are the expression of similar doubts that block you in your other intimate relationships. Unfortunately, they can also be a sign that something is wrong with the fit between you and the therapist. Start by asking yourself the following questions: Is this a familiar feeling that causes you to hold back from relationships generally, and is it something you would like to work through? Does your therapist appear to accept, empathize with, or care about your situation? Is it clear that the therapy is about you and your life rather than the therapist's? Do they seem to want to understand? Are they working to make it easier for you to share difficult things? Do they respond thoughtfully and non-defensively when you talk about your doubts? Answering "No" to the above questions may suggest that it's time to move on to someone else. If you find yourself in the same situation repeatedly, it may be worth considering the role you play.