Feeling upset or disappointed after a therapy session that didn't go as expected is entirely normal and understandable. There could be several reasons why you might feel this way:
Expectations: You were looking forward to the therapy session and had certain expectations of what you wanted to discuss or achieve. When the session didn't meet those expectations, it can leave you feeling let down.
Connection: Building a strong therapeutic alliance with a therapist takes time. If you were starting to feel a connection with your new therapist and then felt that the session lacked depth or connection, it can be disheartening.
Vulnerability: Opening up and sharing personal thoughts and emotions in therapy requires vulnerability. If you didn't feel comfortable or didn't have much to share during the session, it can leave you feeling exposed or uneasy.
Progress: Sometimes, people go into therapy hoping to make progress and receive guidance or insight from the therapist. If the session felt unproductive, it may lead to feelings of frustration.
Communication: Miscommunication or misunderstanding can also play a role. If you felt like the therapist didn't know what to say or wasn't providing the support you needed, it might leave you feeling unheard or unsupported.
Adjustment period: It's common to take some time to get used to a new therapist and their approach. The early sessions can be more about getting to know each other and establishing rapport, which might feel less productive initially.
If you find yourself in a situation like this, consider the following steps:
Give it time: It takes time to build a therapeutic relationship. Don't be too hard on yourself or the therapist if the connection isn't immediate. Sometimes, it's a matter of getting comfortable with each other.
Talk about it: If you feel comfortable, discuss your feelings with your therapist. Open communication is essential in therapy, and they might have insights or suggestions to improve the sessions.
Set goals: Reflect on what you hope to achieve in therapy and share these goals with your therapist. Setting clear objectives can help steer the sessions in a direction that feels more meaningful to you.
Be patient: Healing and personal growth in therapy can be a gradual process. Allow yourself the time and space to explore your feelings and thoughts at your own pace.
Consider other factors: Sometimes, external stressors or changes in life circumstances can affect how you feel in therapy. Be mindful of other factors that might be influencing your emotions.
Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, and it's okay to discuss your feelings and concerns with your therapist. They are there to support you, and together, you can work towards making your therapy experience more beneficial and satisfying.