at what point do you give up on therapy?

Coping Strategies

Hi guys, like the title suggests, I (26F), don't find therapy helpful. I've been to a few counsellors by now, and I recently got health insurance, so I feel like I should give it another go and try a few more counsellors and explore different modalities...

At the same time, part of me wants to take a break from mental health stuff– (for reference, I saw my psychiatrist over a dozen times last year, after experiencing my first manic episode/psychosis, so lots of talking, mostly about meds, but also my mood in general, plus in addition to that, I attended some groups, volunteered at a mental health facility, in other words, did all the 'right' things)...it was good, I was moving in the right direction, but after a year of that, I'm tired of feeling like a patient and want to move on with my life.

From what I've gathered, therapy seems to be more focused on rehashing the past. I know it's necessary sometimes to look back at old patterns, but generally, I'm looking for more practical, pragmatic advice, and rather be focusing on the future. I don't need to hear a playback of what I'm feeling; as an artist and writer, I feel like I'm quite expressive and in tune with my emotions, so it's not like I lack self-awareness on the emotional front. If anything, I prefer to speak to someone who is very rational, almost mathematical thinking, maybe even has a 'tough love' approach to things, cause I don't need to hear another "that sounds like you're going through a lot"...yes, I am, I know I am, I want solutions, and don't know if the counsellor's office is where I'm going to find them.

Obviously, I know it's not their job to 'fix' my issues and give answers to life's big problems...but I wish I could hear some more personal insights and less jargon. Should I keep trying? Or take a break and try something else. I think what I'm seeking is more like a mentor/life coach, but idk at this point. Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

Posted Jan 25, 2026, 4:28 AM UTC

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