Reasons Why Therapy May Not Work One of the most common reasons why therapy may not be working is due to a poor client-therapist relationship. This can occur when the style and approach of the current therapist do not match what the client needs, or if there is a lack of trust or rapport between them.

They see their job as helping you find your own answers, and they know that silence can help you do that. Sitting in silence allows a lot of things to rise up inside you—thoughts, feelings, and memories you might not normally experience. And that is what your therapist is hoping you'll talk about.

They include treatment failure and deterioration of symptoms, emergence of new symptoms, suicidality, occupational problems or stigmatization, changes in the social network or strains in relationships, therapy dependence, or undermining of self‐efficacy."

If therapy isn't working, the first person you should talk to is your therapist. She may opt to change her approach to treatment, pursue more “homework” options for you, or even refer you to another therapist. Be sure to ask the following questions: How long should it take for me to see results?