Help! My Client Says ‘Therapy Isn’t Working’—Now What? | E55

Ever had that gut-wrenching moment when a client looks you in the eye and says, "Therapy isn’t working for me"? It's like a punch to the professional solar plexus, right? I get it. When therapy stalls, it can trigger our self-doubt and imposter syndrome. But here’s the truth: this isn’t a failure—it’s a turning point.  In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I dive deep into navigating these challenging conversations and turning them into opportunities for growth—for both you and your client.  Together, we’ll explore why clients sometimes feel stuck, how to assess what’s really going on, and most importantly—what you can do to re-engage them in the process. Because let’s be real: simply throwing another CBT worksheet at them and hoping for the best isn’t the answer (been there, done that). Timestamps: 00:00 – The Dreaded Client Confession: "I don't think this is working." 01:43 – Reflecting on your therapeutic approach. 07:42 – The Eclectic Conundrum: When having too many tools leads to confusion. 12:00 – Roadmaps Over Randomness: Establishing a clear theory of change. 15:14 – Coaching vs. Therapy: Bridging the gap for non-clinical clients. 21:57 – Action Steps: Practical tips to enhance your practice. 29:58 – Resources for thriving as a therapist Therapy is an evolving process—for our clients and for us. If a client isn’t making progress, it doesn’t mean you’re a bad therapist. It means there’s an opportunity to fine-tune your approach, clarify expectations, or expand your skill set. In many cases, therapists are using a therapy model for clients who would actually benefit from coaching psychology. If someone is struggling with general life satisfaction, career transitions, or goal-setting—but doesn’t meet diagnostic criteria for a mental health condition—traditional therapy might not be what they need. Instead, a structured coaching approach can help them develop clarity, motivation, and action-oriented change. Coaching psychology is a real, evidence-based approach that therapists can (and should) be trained in. If you’re curious about strengthening your ability to work with coaching clients—or just want to feel more confident when a client is struggling—check out my Therapist’s Guide to Coaching Masterclass. It’s free, packed with insights, and a game-changer for therapists in private practice. Don't let these moments shake your confidence. Instead, let's use them as catalysts for professional evolution. If this episode was helpful for you, check out my other podcast episodes for therapists and connect with me on LinkedIn! I’m always sharing tidbits of info over there. I’d love to hear from you.  Xoxo Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby www.growingself.com P.S. Pass this episode along to a colleague or friend who could use this advice today. Let’s help each other grow.