Seeking help for anxiety is a significant first step towards wellness. Yet, as a therapist who has specialized in anxiety treatment for years now, I’ve spoken to too many clients who have worked with other therapists and become extremely frustrated when therapy doesn’t help anxiety very much. It's disheartening, especially after mustering the courage to start counseling and open up to someone. As a counseling practice that specializes specifically in treating anxiety and some of the related issues that can often go along with anxiety, our therapists and counselors understand how frustrating it can be to attend sessions, share your deepest fears, and still feel like you're battling anxiety alone. This blog post aims to shed light on why therapy might not seem effective at first and what steps you can take to address this issue. Our goal is to help you navigate counseling as an anxiety treatment more effectively.  Because at the end of the day, research is clear that therapy remains one of the most potent tools against anxiety. So, we're here to explore adjustments and alternatives that can reignite progress and ensure that therapy lives up to its promise of support and transformation.

If you find yourself asking “Is it worth seeing a therapist for anxiety?” or “Is it normal for a 13 year old to go to therapy?” The answer is YES. Remember that finding the right therapist, type of counseling and overall treatment for anxiety is a process that can require a bit of patience, perseverance, and a willingness to explore different options. But it’s worth it. Because anxiety DOES respond to treatment. And you (or the person you love and are trying to help get help) CAN live with less anxiety. So, whether you are searching for help with your anxiety or trying to find help for your teenager through teen counseling in Missouri, Aspire Counseling can provide you with the support and guidance you need on this journey through counseling in Missouri.

What Happens if Therapy Doesn't Work for Anxiety?

When therapy doesn't help anxiety, it can be disheartening and frustrating. Despite investing time and effort into the process, you may not experience the improvements you were anticipating. This can lead to feelings of being stuck and uncertain about what steps to take next. It's essential to acknowledge these feelings and recognize that setbacks are a normal part of the therapeutic journey. Rather than seeing them as a sign of failure, they can serve as opportunities for reassessment and exploration of new paths towards healing. Feeling like therapy isn't working can also evoke a sense of disappointment or self-doubt. It's important to remember that progress in therapy is not always linear, and setbacks are common in the process of addressing anxiety.

Why Does Therapy Not Help My Anxiety?

As we’ve discussed, it’s beyond frustrating to go to therapy and feel like your anxiety is not getting better. Or worse yet, that it’s actually getting worse. But we haven’t yet really touched on why that might be happening. And, when you think “therapy isn't helping my anxiety” or that therapy is not effective for your anxiety, it's important to explore the reasons behind this lack of progress So, let’s dive into that now.

Reasons Therapy May Not Improve Anxiety

When embarking on the journey of therapy for anxiety, it's essential to recognize that several factors can influence its effectiveness. A critical aspect to consider is whether the treatment approach being utilized is evidence-based and specifically tailored for anxiety disorders. For instance, engaging in general discussions about daily life might offer temporary relief. However,  for conditions like phobias, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD (which isn’t an anxiety disorder but generally includes significant anxiety symptoms) or severe anxiety, specialized treatments rooted in evidence-based practices are crucial. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) have been shown to be particularly effective for these more intense forms of anxiety.

Another pivotal factor is the therapeutic relationship. The bond, trust, and openness you share with your therapist significantly impact therapy's success. Without a strong therapeutic relationship, it may be challenging to dive deep into the roots of your anxiety and work on strategies to manage it effectively.

Your readiness and commitment to therapy also play a significant role. Therapy requires both emotional investment and practical adjustments, such as making time for sessions and implementing strategies outside of therapy. If there are barriers in your life that prevent full engagement, these need to be addressed for therapy to be the most effective.

It's also worth noting that sometimes, therapy for anxiety involves navigating through tougher periods before seeing improvement. A seasoned therapist specializing in anxiety will guide you through these times, ensuring you have the support needed to persevere.

Moreover, the complexity of your anxiety, unresolved trauma, or the presence of co-occurring conditions might necessitate a more nuanced or integrated therapeutic approach. Identifying and addressing these underlying issues is crucial for therapy to be truly effective.

Understanding these factors can empower you to seek adjustments or alternative paths in your therapy journey, ensuring that your treatment for anxiety is as effective as possible.

What If I Am Not Getting Better from Therapy?

If you notice signs therapy is not working for you, it's crucial to address these concerns with your therapist. This truly is the first step. Open communication is key in ensuring that your therapy is tailored to your specific needs and goals. Signs that therapy may not be working for you could include feeling stuck in your progress, experiencing no improvement in your symptoms, or feeling like your sessions are not addressing your core issues. It's important not to feel discouraged by these signs but rather to see them as opportunities for course correction.

During your discussions with your therapist, consider exploring different therapy modalities or techniques that may better suit your needs. Your therapist may suggest alternative approaches, such as changing the focus of your sessions, incorporating new coping strategies, or exploring underlying issues in more depth. In some cases, seeking a second opinion from another mental health professional can provide fresh insights and perspectives on your treatment. Remember that your mental health journey is unique, and finding the right therapeutic approach may require patience and flexibility.

Skipping Counseling Sessions or Stopping Therapy When It’s Not Helping

If we’re talking about what TO do when counseling’s not working, and I’m saying you should talk to your therapist, I know you’re likely to be tempted to just skip your next counseling session or drop out altogether. So, I have to take a moment here to acknowledge why it’s important that you NOT do this. Unfortunately, that will only make your anxiety worse.

Avoidance is a common response to anxiety, yet it almost always exacerbates the problem. Skipping counseling sessions, reducing their frequency, or prematurely discontinuing therapy can lead to an increase in anxiety symptoms. This is because avoiding situations that make us anxious only serves to reinforce the anxiety over time. 

If conversations with your current therapist aren't leading to changes that feel helpful, seeking a therapist with specialized training in anxiety is a wise next step. However, it's beneficial to continue sessions with your current therapist until you find someone new. This continuity of care can provide support as you transition to a new therapeutic relationship. Ultimately, consistent engagement in therapy, even when it feels challenging, is essential for overcoming anxiety.

So, I can’t say it strongly enough: even if it feels like anxiety treatment isn’t working, don’t stop going….just ask your therapist to change course or look for a new therapist who is more specialized in anxiety treatment. If you’re seeing a therapist that is part of a larger counseling group, you could even talk to the intake coordinator for that same practice and they can probably recommend someone that would be a better fit and get you in pretty quickly since priority is often given to current clients. But whatever you do, don’t just give up or go back to avoiding facing your anxiety.

Why Therapy Doesn't Work for Everyone?

If you find yourself saying “Therapy doesn’t work for me” it is important to not lose hope. Everyone's experience with therapy is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Factors such as your individual circumstances, the specific approach of your therapist, your therapeutic relationship with the person you are seeing, and your readiness for therapy can all play a role in its effectiveness. Communication again is key as speaking with your therapist about these concerns can allow them to explore alternative approaches that may better suit your needs. 

Feeling like therapy isn't working for you doesn't mean that there's no hope for improvement. It may simply indicate that you haven't yet found the right approach or therapist for your specific needs. Remember that therapy is a process, and finding the right fit may require some trial and error. Keep an open mind and continue advocating for your mental health needs until you find a path that feels right for you.

Embracing Hope When Therapy May Not Be Helping

If you're feeling discouraged because therapy isn't yielding the results you hoped for, remember that there are various paths to healing, and it's okay to explore different options. Consider discussing your concerns with your therapist and exploring alternative treatment modalities that may better align with your needs. It's important to approach your mental health journey with patience and compassion for yourself. Keep an open mind and be willing to try new approaches until you find what works best for you.

It's also important to keep in mind that therapy can take time to show results, and setbacks are a normal part of the process. Remember that you are not alone in your struggle, and there is always hope for improvement. Keep seeking support and exploring new avenues for healing, and you may find the path that leads to greater peace and well-being.

Want Therapy to Help Your Anxiety? Start Counseling in Missouri with Aspire Counseling Today!

When therapy doesn't seem to alleviate your anxiety, it's natural to feel uncertain about your next steps. At Aspire Counseling, we understand that each person's journey with anxiety is unique, and we're here to support you, whether you're navigating everyday stressors or seeking solutions for more complex challenges. Our compassionate therapists provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your emotions, develop coping strategies, and find the support you need to manage your anxiety effectively.

We offer a diverse range of counseling services tailored to meet your specific needs, including specialized support for anxiety management. We also offer counseling services for children, teens, and adults.  Whether you're located in Lee's Summit, MO, Columbia, MO, or seeking counseling near Blue Springs, MO, or online therapy, we're dedicated to providing you with the tools and resources to navigate your anxiety and reclaim your well-being.

Your mental health matters, and seeking help is a proactive step toward a brighter future. If you're experiencing challenges with anxiety and therapy hasn't provided the relief you seek, consider reaching out to our experienced therapists. We believe that everyone deserves to live a fulfilling life, free from the constraints of anxiety, and we're here to support you on your journey to emotional well-being.

Don't hesitate to take the next step toward managing your anxiety more effectively. Contact us at 573-328-2288 or fill out our online form to connect with one of our skilled therapists. Your path to a more balanced and fulfilling life starts here at Aspire Counseling.