Is It Okay to Switch Therapists Within the Same Practice? (And Why at Off the Beaten Path We're Actually Honoured When You Do)

Let's be honest for a second: Have you ever switched hairdressers within the same salon? You know that feeling: that little pang of guilt mixed with the sudden urge to duck down aisle three when you spot your old stylist at Safeway? Yeah, we've all been there. The awkward wave, the forced smile, the "oh hey, I've just been SO busy..." excuse.

But here's the thing about therapy at Off the Beaten Path Psychology: We're not about those weird grocery store dodges. We're about real, authentic relationships, including having those tough conversations.

Why Switching Therapists at OBP is Actually a Win

When a client tells us they'd like to try working with a different therapist on our team, honestly? We celebrate it. Not because we're glad to see them go (we're not robots, after all; there's always a little "aw, shucks"), but because it means they're doing something incredibly brave: asking for what they need.

And that? That's exactly what therapy is supposed to teach you.

At our Airdrie, Cochrane, and Calgary locations, we've built something a bit different. We're a team of psychologists and therapists who genuinely like and respect each other. We grab coffee together, consult on cases (always with your permission, of course), and celebrate each other's unique strengths. So when you tell us you'd like to work with a different therapist in our practice, we don't take it personally. We take it as a sign that you trust us enough to be honest.

Let's Talk About Fit (Because We're All Wonderfully Different)

Here's something I've learned in my years as a psychologist in Calgary: You don't connect with everyone you meet, and that's okay. Even in therapy. Especially in therapy, actually.

I'll be the first to admit: I'm known for being a bit direct. My colleagues

will laugh when they read this because they know it's true. I was raised by a cop and a teacher, and admittedly, sometimes this duality of my worldview shows up in session. For some clients, that directness is exactly what they need: someone to lovingly call them on their stuff while holding space for their growth. For others? It might feel a bit too intense, or not quite the right fit.

And that's perfectly okay.

My colleague might be more exploratory and gentle in her approach. Another might use more humour and playfulness. Someone else might integrate more body-based or creative interventions. We all have our special areas of strengths and skills, but we're also all wonderfully, imperfectly human.

Client Autonomy: It's Kind of Our Whole Thing

Here's what matters most to me and my colleagues: That everyone who takes the big, courageous leap of working with us leaves feeling that they've gotten the help and support they need, no matter who their therapist was.

Your therapy journey is exactly that: yours. And if part of that journey means realizing you'd benefit from a different therapeutic style, a different area of expertise, or just a different energy in the room? That's not failure. That's growth. That's you advocating for yourself.

Which, let's be real, is probably one of the things we're working on in therapy anyway.

The Waiting Room Won't Be Weird (We Promise)

One of the things clients tell us they worry about is: "What if I see my old therapist when I'm coming in for sessions with my new therapist?"

Here's the beautiful part: We're grown-ups who genuinely care about your wellbeing. If we see you in the waiting room grabbing coffee before your session with your new therapist, we'll smile, maybe chat about the weather (because, Alberta), and feel genuinely glad you're still getting the support you need.

No weirdness. No guilt trips. No ducking down aisle three.

Just authentic, respectful human connection.

Common Questions About Switching Therapists in Airdrie, Cochrane, and Calgary

How do I know if I should switch therapists?

Great question. Sometimes it's a gut feeling: the therapeutic relationship just doesn't feel quite right. Other times, your needs have changed and a different therapist's specialization might be a better fit. Maybe you've been working on anxiety and now need someone who specializes in relationship issues or trauma. Or perhaps your therapist's communication style isn't meshing with how you process information.

Trust yourself. If you're wondering whether you should switch, that's worth exploring, either in conversation with your current therapist or by reaching out to our team.

Will my therapist be hurt or offended?

While we're human and might feel a little twinge (we do care about our clients!), good therapists understand that fit matters. At Off the Beaten Path Psychology, we've created a culture where client welfare comes first. We'd much rather you stay in therapy with a better-fit therapist than drop out altogether because you didn't feel comfortable asking for what you need.

How do I actually make the switch?

Just be honest. You can tell your current therapist directly, or if that feels too uncomfortable, you can reach out to our administrative team. We'll handle the logistics and make the transition as smooth as possible. No drama, no judgment.

What's the difference between therapists at Off the Beaten Path Psychology?

While we all share core values around authentic, attachment-based care, we each bring different specializations, training, and personal styles. Some of us specialize in EMDR, others in couples therapy, some in child and youth psychology. Our Calgary, Cochrane, and Airdrie offices have psychologists with diverse backgrounds: everything from addictions to anxiety, depression to developmental trauma.

Can I switch back to my original therapist?

Sure! Sometimes people need a specific type of support for a season, then find they want to return to their original therapist. As long as we can make it work logistically, we're open to it.

Is switching therapists common?

More common than you'd think! Research shows that the therapeutic relationship is one of the biggest predictors of positive outcomes in therapy. So finding the right fit isn't just nice-to-have; it's essential. In a group practice like ours, you have options, and we want you to use them.

The Bottom Line (Because I'm Direct, Remember?)

Therapy is hard enough without adding a layer of guilt about finding the right support. At Off the Beaten Path Psychology, we're building something different: a practice where honesty is welcomed, autonomy is celebrated, and your wellbeing always comes first.

So if you're currently working with one of our therapists and wondering if you should try working with another? Take a breath. Have the conversation. We can handle it.

And if you're new to therapy and looking for a psychologist in Calgary, Airdrie, or Cochrane who will respect your autonomy and support your growth (even when that means admitting we might not be the perfect fit), we'd love to meet you.

Because at the end of the day, what matters most is that you get the help you need. Full stop.

Ready to take that courageous next step? Reach out to Off the Beaten Path Psychology today. Whether you're looking for your first therapist or your next one, we're here to support you. No grocery store dodging required.

Off the Beaten Path Psychology provides counselling and therapy services in Airdrie, Cochrane, and Calgary, Alberta. Our team of registered psychologists and therapists specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and more. Contact us today to find the right fit for your mental health journey.