Navigating Mental Anquish When a Psychotherapist Causes Concern

Dealing with a psychotherapist who causes mental anguish is a challenging experience, especially when this anguish manifests outside of your therapy sessions. It's important to recognize that this experience is a part of your therapeutic journey and should be addressed with your therapist. This article aims to provide insights and actionable advice on how to navigate such situations effectively, ensuring your mental health remains a top priority.

Understanding the Nature of the Anquish

Mental anguish outside of therapy sessions can be distressing and may impact your overall well-being. This distress might be traced back to a variety of factors, such as issues discussed during therapy sessions or a general discomfort with the therapeutic relationship. It's crucial to discern the root cause of your discomfort and express it openly and honestly to your therapist.

Taking the Initiative to Communicate

When you find yourself experiencing mental anguish outside of therapy, it's important to bring this to your therapist's attention. Remember, your therapist is there to support you, not to make you feel guilty or uncomfortable. It's not your job to cater to your therapist's feelings—it's your job to convey your true emotions and experiences.

Discuss the anguish with your therapist by providing a thorough account of when this started, its frequency, and any underlying feelings or thoughts that may be contributing to the situation. This could include:

How often do you experience this anguish and in what context? Did you experience similar feelings with a previous therapist? Is your reaction similar to something you may have felt in the past, such as from a parent or another authority figure? Are you preoccupied with these feelings, and is it affecting your appetite, sleep, or concentration? Is the anguish severe enough to cause you to feel like you want to hurt your therapist?

Exploring Underlying Feelings and Reactions

Consider the possibility that your discomfort may be a result of unexpressed feelings or assumptions about your therapist's opinion of you. Even the most skilled therapists cannot read your mind, and it's important to express any concerns or grievances in a constructive manner.

Your therapist might ask hard questions to help you explore your thoughts and feelings. These questions might include:

What do you think might be contributing to your feeling of mental anquish? Is it possible that you have formed an opinion about our work together that may not be accurate, due to lack of clear communication? Are there any unexpressed feelings or assumptions that might be influencing your reaction?

embracing the Journey

Mental anguish outside of therapy sessions can sometimes be a healing process in itself. By openly discussing your feelings with your therapist, you're taking a proactive step towards addressing and resolving any underlying issues. This process, although challenging, can lead to a deeper understanding of yourself and your therapeutic relationship.

Remember, your therapist's role is to support and guide you through this journey, not to be blamed or made to feel guilty. Your well-being is their primary concern, and they are there to help you navigate the complexities of your emotions.

Conclusion

Mental anguish caused by a psychotherapist should not be ignored or suppressed. By openly communicating your feelings and experiences, you can work towards a more fulfilling therapeutic relationship. If you find yourself in a situation where a psychotherapist is causing you distress, don't hesitate to discuss it with your therapist. The goal is to create a healing, supportive environment where you can address and overcome any challenges that arise.