Should you Fire your Therapist? Red Flags & Next Steps episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 7, 2025 · 12 MIN

Should you Fire your Therapist? Red Flags & Next Steps

from Real Over Ideal · host Vanessa Gorelkin

Not every therapist is the right fit, and that's OK.In this episode of Real Over Ideal, Vanessa Gorelkin explains how to tell if your therapist is not serving your needs anymore.Vanessa discusses the the most common red flags in therapy, how to trust your instincts and what to do if you end the relationship. The power dynamics at play in therapeutic relationships is discussed. This episode describes how therapy is a service meant to benefit the client, and clients have the right to terminate therapy without guilt or obligation, while providing practical tips to handle the termination process.Vanessa encourages listeners to prioritize their own needs and well-being in their therapeutic journey, while also engaging with your own support systems and trusted people in your life who might be able to help you determine the best way for you to proceed.TakeawaysTherapy is not magic; it requires active participation.You have the right to fire your therapist if needed.Therapists can also need to be fired by clients.Therapy should be client-centered, focusing on your needs.You don't owe your therapist closure or explanations.It's okay to stop therapy if it's not helping you.Therapy costs money; don't waste it on unwanted sessions.You can terminate therapy without guilt or shame.Your mental health is your responsibility.You can communicate your decision to leave clearly and kindly.Click here to get in touch Thanks for listening!Please share the show with anyone who may enjoy it. We'd love it if you'd leave us a 5 star review wherever you're listening- it helps listeners find the show and we read every review.If you'd like to submit an "Untangle This" question, a comment, or an episode idea-- Email us:[email protected] is available to consult professionally with individual clients. If you'd like to work with Vanessa , reach out here:https://vanessagorelkin.com/contact-us#12398ed6-3711-4e15-ae41-4711059fd6abIf you'd like to read about Vanessa's background, treatment perspective and techniques, or other handy information about her practice, check out her Psychology Today profile here:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/vanessa-gorelkin-scottsdale-az/809467

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Aug 7, 2025

Embed this episode

Not every therapist is the right fit, and that's OK. In this episode of Real Over Ideal, Vanessa Gorelkin explains how to tell if your therapist is not serving your needs anymore. Vanessa discusses the the most common red flags in therapy, how to trust your instincts and what to do if you end the relationship. The power dynamics at play in therapeutic relationships is discussed. This episode describes how therapy is a service meant to benefit the client, and clients have the right to te...

Distinct summary based on available episode metadata or transcript content.

NOW PLAYING

Should you Fire your Therapist? Red Flags & Next Steps

0:00 12:35

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Real Over Ideal?

This episode is 12 minutes long.

When was this Real Over Ideal episode published?

This episode was published on August 7, 2025.

Can I download this Real Over Ideal episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!