How to Break Up with Your Psychiatrist

As seen via Associated Content Mind you we are death on psychs and shrinks, but this is amusing, in that it sort of reads like breaking up with your significant other.

There are plenty of "How To" articles on how to break up with you friend, spouse, boss and significant other.. But who tells you how to break up with your psychiatrist, which can be particularly difficult for people who seek and need that kind of help. If you want to break up with your psychiatrist, counselor, psychoanalyst or shrink here is some practical advice.

Unfortunately, most people who seek out the help of a psychiatrist usually feel very vulnerable. But remember that the psychiatrist and patient relationship is primary a business one and should, for the most part, be treated accordingly. A person pays a professional (psychiatrist) for advice and to help them with their problems. If the therapist is failing the patient in this then the patient should think of breaking off the professional relationship.

Psychiatrist are people with feelings but some are better then others like in every profession. If a person finds themselves stuck with a counselor who, does not promptly returns their phone calls, fails to understand what they want, is inexperienced, and you do not feel comfortable with then maybe it is time to consider moving on.

Talk over your concerns with the psychiatrist, but if nothing changes after that, take action.

The truth is that sometimes like in a lot of relationships compatibility is the problem. The reason can have something to do with chemistry, taste, feeling understood, mutual interest or experience level.

Here are a few suggestions if you want to break up with your psychiatrist:

1. Talk over your discomfort with the psychiatrist and see how they respond. Most psychiatrists will respond with sympathy and will be glad you opened up to them. Continue to see them a few more times (a month) to see if anything changes. If things don’t change between you and the psychiatrist seriously consider moving on.

2. Once you have made the decision to move on, write down what you want to say to the psychiatrist before your next visit. It might be more easy for most people to stop going or to call the psychiatrist on the phone, but professional psychiatrist’s need constructive criticism from their patients to help them get better, so, if all possible, break up with the psychiatrist face to face.

3. Be honest with the psychiatrist. Tell them why you don’t want to see them anymore, be as specific as possible. For example, “When you do this... I feel like you are not paying attention to me. I don’t feel comfortable for you because...”

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