6 Reasons Why People Quit Therapy Too Soon

Set yourself up for success in psychotherapy by speaking up and asking for what you want.

Too often, people are reluctant to give feedback to their psychotherapist. Instead, they stay silent and suffer through therapy sessions. Or worse, they drop out without ever speaking up.

If you’re in therapy, it’s important to provide feedback, and a good therapist will appreciate it. In fact, studies show that feedback improves the overall quality of therapy.

If you have ever dropped out of therapy, or feel liking quitting therapy now, you’re not alone. The following are six common reasons why people quit therapy too soon.

Reason #1. The Money

Therapy isn’t cheap, and talking about money is hard. A lot of clients don’t bring up this sensitive topic.

If you’re having trouble affording your therapist, bring it up. You’d be surprised, your therapist might reduce the fee.

Or you might spark a fruitful conversation about budgeting your money, or using your insurance to help pay for therapy.

Reason #2. Unclear Goals or No Goals

Depending on the therapist’s style, they may or may not establish or review your therapeutic goals.

However, if you want goals, you can ask for them! Without goals, it’s hard to know if you're making progress or when you’re finished with therapy.

Reason #3. The Therapist Just Goes Through the Motions

Therapists are people too, and can have off days.

But if your therapist is lacking presence, speak up. Say something straightforward like, “I feel like we’re not connecting.”

A good therapist will hear you loud and clear. If they get defensive or make up an excuse, that might be your cue to find another therapist.

Reason #4. The Therapist Gives Little or No Guidance

If you’re tired of hearing “how does that make you feel?” you might want to ask for some direction.

If the therapist is worth their salt, they’ll hear you. And, if they’re wise, they won’t directly give you advice. Instead, they’ll ask the right questions to guide you toward the appropriate solutions.

Reason #5. The Therapist is Too Directive

While guidance is good, too much can rob you of your self-determination, and create a dependent relationship.

If your therapist is doing too much problem solving for you, let them know. The value of “sitting” with your own discomfort can be a huge opportunity for insight and growth.

Reason #6. The Therapist Avoids Talk of Termination

Maybe you’ve been in therapy for a while and you’re feeling better. You’re wondering why your therapist hasn’t brought up ending treatment.

Surely they have a plan, right? Don’t assume so.

You can literally say, “I feel like I’m ready to end therapy.” A competent therapist won’t feel offended and will welcome discussing termination.

Too many people drop out of therapy too soon. Even after investing their time and money. Why? Because it's hard to give feedback!

The fear of offending a therapist can stop even the most assertive client. But as a bad therapist once said, “Get over it!”

Seriously though, it’s okay to ask for what you want in therapy. Give your therapist feedback. You'll feel better. And that's the whole point of therapy, right?

If your therapist does not adjust to your feedback, that's probably a signal for you to find someone else. Speak up sooner rather than later to avoid wasting your time and money.

Learn more about setting yourself up for a successful counseling journey. Read my post, 5 Ways to Make the Most of Counseling.