Most experienced clinicians have had clients who have seen other therapists (generalists or anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression specialists) but made little progress or felt misunderstood – and in some cases even felt violated.

These experiences can leave clients feeling ashamed, discouraged, embarrassed, hurt, hopeless, and skeptical that improvement is possible, let alone recovery from the problem they originally sought treatment to address.

This treatment mistrust adds a different kind of challenge when these clients enter our care. We need to not only address the mental health disorders, but we must also work on repairing some of the damage that’s been done, which in some cases must happen even before treatment can begin. Returning to treatment after a negative experience is a sign of strength, bravery, and a strong desire to make progress. A firm foundation in ethical treatment as well as relationship-building steps with clients such as informed consent, compassion, and empathy, become even more essential to successful treatment outcomes.

Learn how to navigate these challenges from the panel discussion, “Rebuilding Therapeutic Relationships” held at Anxiety and Depression Association of American Conference in 2022. Includes clinical examples and audience questions.