Revisiting Therapy After A Break: What To Expect
Revisiting therapy after a break can be helpful. However, some people might be unsure if they should see the same therapist or not know what to expect if they’ve been out of therapy for a long time. Below, explore the process of revisiting therapy, why people might return to treatment, and ways to find a therapist who can meet your needs.
Why seek therapy again?
People decide to revisit therapy for many reasons. For example, some people may begin to experience symptoms of a mental disorder again after a period of remission. Others might seek therapy for an entirely different issue, such as a life transition. Therapy can also be a helpful option for general life improvement. You don’t have to have a mental illness to see a therapist, and over 55 million US adults go to therapy.
Revisiting therapy for trauma and PTSD
Some people who have experienced a traumatic event might consider going back to therapy if they begin to experience traumatic memories. Therapists might use a variety of approaches to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including eye movement and desensitization reprocessing therapy (EMDR). This modality has been found especially effective for trauma-related disorders.
Eye movement and desensitization reprocessing therapy
One form of therapy that may help with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is eye movement and desensitization reprocessing therapy. One of the core ideas of EMDR is that traumatic memories might not always be processed correctly in the brain.
What happens during eye movement and desensitization reprocessing therapy for trauma and PTSD?
During EMDR, a mental health professional holds an object or their finger in front of the client’s eyes and asks them to follow the object back and forth. Some therapists may instead use tones, tapping sounds, hand buzzers, or a ball the client passes back and forth between their hands. These techniques are meant to stimulate bilateral movement as the person recalls a traumatic memory. Revisiting traumatic experiences during this stimulation may change how a negative memory is stored in the brain and reduce the vividness of the memory. This process may lead to improvement in symptoms of PTSD.
Revisiting therapy for other mental health challenges
Some people might pursue therapy again for another mental disorder. For example, they might experience recurring depressive episodes. A therapist may be able to shorten the duration of such episodes as part of an overall treatment plan. Clients may also see a psychiatrist or medical doctor, who may prescribe medication for new or worsening symptoms.
Other people may decide to return to therapy if they have a substance use disorder and experience a temporary relapse. In these cases, a therapist may help the client handle difficult emotions and work toward recovery. Therapy may also help with any comorbid conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which medication or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. Do not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.
Revisiting therapy for a transition, such as having a child
Some people might decide to see a therapist if they experience a major life change. Transitions could include getting married, having a child, or changing careers. Major transitions can sometimes cause emotional challenges and disruption to relationships. A therapist may be able to help people navigate these changes.
How to find a therapist again
Some people may choose to go to the same therapist again. One possible advantage of this option is that the therapist may recall many of your concerns, depending on how much time has passed since your last session. For this reason, you might not have to tell the same story over again. In addition, they may still have notes from previous sessions to review.
Contrarily, some people might prefer to speak with a new therapist. Individuals who are interested in connecting with a different therapist might consider looking for someone in their community who has a specific focus area, such as a specific mental disorder or a treatment method.
Finding mental health support online
One way to find a therapist online is through an online therapy platform. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp often allow users to be matched with a therapist with experience addressing their specific areas of concern.
Online therapy platforms allow individuals to communicate via phone, videoconferencing, or live chat with a therapist. Clients can reach out to their therapist anytime between therapy sessions, and the therapist will reply as soon as they can. People who are revisiting therapy may find this option useful if they experience painful emotions related to past experiences or present challenges. A number of studies have shown online therapy to be effective for mental disorders that can sometimes require follow-up care. One study found that online therapy was effective for depression and bipolar disorder, which some people experience in episodes.
Takeaway
Revisiting therapy may be useful in various situations. Some people go back to therapy if they experience episodes of a mental disorder, while others may revisit therapy if they want help navigating a major life change. Regardless of the reason for revisiting therapy, there are ways to find help from a licensed therapist with experience in your areas of concern. Consider reaching out to a provider online or in your area to get started.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some common questions about revisiting therapy.
What’s the best way to find a therapist the second time?
If you don’t want to see the same therapist, you may be able to find someone in your community or by using a therapy site properly online in your browser. Suppose there was something about your first experience in therapy that didn’t meet your expectations. In that case, you might ask if other therapists offer a short consultation to see if they show more compassion or make you feel more comfortable. You can also look up various therapists’ credentials and areas of experience.
How do you know if you need therapy again?
You might consider therapy again if symptoms of a mental disorder return. However, you don’t have to wait for symptoms to be strong to benefit from going back to therapy. Outside of mental health conditions, you might determine that you need therapy again if you’ve realized that you’re experiencing relationship challenges or painful feelings that are affecting your health and well-being, if you forget the healthy coping mechanisms you built before, or if you struggle to maintain a positive perspective.
Another possible sign that you could benefit from therapy again is rumination about or trouble making sense of a decision you’ve made or have yet to make. By seeking help—whether with a familiar past therapist or a new provider—you may be able to put an end to your indecision and move forward from this moment with confidence.
How long should the average person be in therapy?
The American Psychological Association (APA) states, “Recent research indicates that on average 15 to 20 sessions are required for 50% of patients to recover as indicated by self-reported symptom measures.” However, some people may require more sessions, depending on their symptoms, the site or cause of their unique challenges, and what makes sense for them. You typically have the ability and freedom to take this journey at your own pace and tell the therapist how you feel at each stage of healing.
Can people go back to therapy for the trauma they experienced as a child?
Some people may benefit from going back to therapy at some point to achieve additional progress if they continue to experience troublesome memories of a traumatic event or are having difficulties understanding how to move forward from it. Therapy for PTSD may consist of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy, cognitive therapy, prolonged exposure, brief eclectic psychotherapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and narrative exposure therapy.
In some cases, therapy may be recommended in connection with medication for PTSD. Regardless of the approach your therapist may recommend, they can often help you address what’s wrong, help you become aware of your symptoms so you can build healthy coping mechanisms, and shift your world view in a more positive direction.
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