Restarting Therapy: Overcoming the Fear of Starting Again
Life is full of twists and turns, and therapy often serves as a guiding tool to navigate life’s complexities. Many people seek therapy during challenging times—whether it’s for grief counseling, marital support, or improving overall mental well-being. Once progress is made, they might step away, feeling their journey is complete.
But life is unpredictable, and sometimes we find ourselves needing extra support again. If you’re considering returning to therapy after a break, you’re not alone. In fact, revisiting therapy can be one of the most empowering decisions you make for your mental health.
Why Consider Returning to Therapy?
Taking the step to return to therapy often begins with reflection. Here are some common reasons clients come back:
📍New challenges: Are you facing new stressors or life transitions?
📍Reemerging patterns: Have old thoughts, habits, or anxieties resurfaced?
📍Seeking new perspectives: Do you feel stuck and need guidance to move forward?
As a therapist specializing in imposter syndrome and self-doubt, I often work with clients who return for additional support when navigating new or unresolved issues.
Facing the Fear of Starting Over
It’s normal to feel hesitant about returning to therapy. Common fears include wondering if it’s worth the time or energy, worrying about what others might think, or feeling discouraged that previous therapy didn’t “fix” everything. These feelings are valid, but they shouldn’t hold you back.
Common Fears and How to Address Them
📌Fear of judgment: Many people worry about what others might think if they seek therapy again. Remember, prioritizing your mental health is an act of courage. Surround yourself with supportive individuals, and explore online communities that normalize mental health care.
📌Doubts about therapy’s effectiveness: If you feel therapy didn’t work before, take time to reflect on why. Were your goals unclear? Did you struggle to connect with your therapist? Use this opportunity to approach therapy with fresh clarity and communicate openly about your expectations.
📌Concerns about time or cost: Therapy is a commitment, but it’s also an investment in your well-being. Explore sliding-scale options or shorter, focused therapy sessions if cost or time is a concern.
Therapy isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Returning to therapy allows you to:
✔️Unpack complex emotions: Gain insight into recurring thoughts or behaviors.
✔️Challenge self-doubt: Build tools to overcome negative self-talk and imposter syndrome.
✔️Enhance resilience: Navigate life’s twists and turns with renewed confidence.
The more you share your worries in therapy, the more manageable they become. Over time, you’ll notice improvements in your mood, your ability to handle challenges, and even how others respond to you. Therapy is a worthwhile investment in your personal growth.
Breaking the Echo Chamber
Often, our closest circles—family, friends, and colleagues—mean well but can inadvertently create an echo chamber of repetitive advice. “You’re doing great” or “You’ve got this” may not resonate when you’re grappling with imposter syndrome or self-doubt. Therapy offers a unique, unbiased perspective where you can:
💭Explore the roots of your struggles.
💭Understand why certain patterns persist.
💭Develop actionable strategies to move forward.
For instance, one of my clients returned to therapy after years of struggling with self-doubt at work. Despite being well-qualified, she felt like an imposter and hesitated to ask for a deserved promotion and title change. Through our sessions, we unpacked the barriers preventing her from advocating for herself. We worked on recognizing her worth, addressing her fears of rejection, and crafting a confident approach to the conversation with her employer.
The result? She successfully secured her promotion and now feels more confident in her professional abilities. Therapy not only helped her achieve a tangible goal but also transformed how she viewed herself and her value in the workplace.✨
Why Therapy Is Worth the Investment
Therapy is more than just an expense; it’s an investment in yourself. By revisiting therapy, you’re giving yourself the tools to:
✨Gain clarity on what’s holding you back.
✨Build strategies to overcome challenges.
✨Cultivate confidence in both your personal and professional life.
Whether it’s imposter syndrome, perfectionism, or life’s emotional ups and downs, therapy can help you uncover your full potential and take actionable steps toward a more fulfilling life.
Is It Time to Return to Therapy?
Returning to therapy can be less intimidating if you’re able to work with the same therapist, as the established trust saves time. However, starting with a new therapist can also offer fresh perspectives. The key is finding a therapist whose expertise aligns with your needs.
As someone who specializes in self-doubt, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome, I’m here to support you on your journey. If you’re ready to explore how therapy can help you thrive, let’s connect.
Take the First Step
Book a free 15-minute discovery call with me today. Together, we’ll explore how therapy can help you step into your full potential.
