4 Signs it’s Time to Go Back to Therapy

You’ve been through the therapy process before. You were able to make some good progress, feel better about the challenges you were facing, and have a more confident outlook on life.

But after completing therapy, new challenges started to arise. You may feel less confident in handling problems than you used to feel.

You may have experienced a brand new situation that you never even considered the first time you went to therapy.

You may have thought about going back to therapy, but aren’t sure how. You may even be scared or nervous to go back to therapy.

Here at KMA, we’re passionate about teaching you the wide range of options available for your mental health. Returning to therapy can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. We’re here to make this process easier for you.

After reading this article, you’ll know when it’s time to restart therapy, 4 signs returning to therapy could help you, and how to get back into the therapy process.

When is it time to restart therapy?

Everyone’s reason for going back to therapy is different. Whether you’re struggling again with something you’ve already discussed in therapy, or experienced a new loss or traumatic event, it’s normal to return to therapy.

Reasons to go back to therapy include the following:

• Experiencing a recent trauma or loss
• New questions about identity or sexuality
• Ongoing issues with depression, anxiety, addiction, etc.
• A desire to check in with your therapist about how you’re coping with life’s challenges

Ultimately, you don’t need a specific reason to go back to therapy. If you feel like going back to therapy could help you, that’s a reason enough all on its own.

4 Signs You Should Go Back to Therapy

We’ve outlined four specific signs to help you decide whether returning to therapy is the right choice for you.

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1. You’re experiencing old symptoms again

Sometimes, mental health symptoms that we thought we had eliminated can return.

Symptoms like panic attacks and compulsive behaviours can resurface when we’re struggling in our daily lives.

This is nothing to be ashamed of. There are many reasons why old mental health symptoms can return. A therapist can help you explore why they are back and develop new strategies to cope with them.

2. You’ve experienced a significant loss or life event

As people, we’re constantly changing and evolving. The problems we’re facing change and evolve alongside us.

Whether you’re entering a new phase of your life, or you experienced something difficult to cope with, it’s normal to need new solutions for new challenges.

Meeting with a therapist can help you understand and cope with new experiences.

3. You want to unpack topics that you didn’t explore before

Not every change in our life is a negative one. We’re constantly growing into new versions of ourselves.

As wonderful as this can be, it can also be hard to reconcile old and new pieces of who we are.

Discussing your evolution with a therapist can help you unpack your feelings surrounding life changes – including your changing goals, sexual or gender identity, and career path.

4. You want to feel better in some area of your life

Sometimes, we can’t pinpoint anything we want to change in our life, but we know that something feels off.

You deserve to live a life that feels fulfilling, exciting, and joyful. Returning to therapy can be a great place to start if you’re feeling unsatisfied but can’t figure out why.

Speaking with a therapist can help you understand the different areas of your life in a new way – and help you figure out what can change to help you feel better.

How Do You Restart Therapy?

When going back to therapy, you can either return to your old therapist or speak to a new therapist.

If you feel like you made great progress with your previous therapist, it can be beneficial to meet with them again. They’ll know your history and understand which therapeutic techniques work for you.

However, you may not have previously enjoyed the therapy process. You may also have the desire to meet with someone new. Don’t be afraid to explore your options and find a therapist who is a better fit.

With either option, understanding what you want to get out of your time in therapy will be helpful.

When reaching out to the therapist, mention:

• The reason you’re returning to therapy
• Your goals for the therapy process this time
• What therapeutic methods you’ve enjoyed in the past (i.e. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or Psychotherapy)

If you’re meeting with a new therapist, read our in-depth list of questions to ask a new therapist.

Next Steps for Going Back to Therapy

After reading this article, you now know the reasons why people return to therapy, 4 signs that you could benefit from returning to therapy, and what to do when you’re ready to begin therapy again.

Our passionate team of therapists at KMA is here to support you in your therapy journey, whether you’re meeting with us for the first time or ready to be welcomed back.

Connect with our team to book an appointment with your KMA therapist, or register online to book an introductory session if you’re meeting us for the first time.

If you aren’t ready to book an appointment, read these articles for more information:

• If you’ve recently experienced a difficult loss, read: How to Cope with Grief and Loss
• If you’re interested in seeing a therapist in Toronto, read: How to Find a Therapist in Toronto
• If you’re experiencing shifts in your gender or sexual identity, read: How to Find an LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapist in Toronto