You’ve been here before: Sitting across from a therapist, pouring out what felt heavy, maybe even finding some relief along the way. But then life shifted, schedules got messy, money got tight, or maybe you simply felt you’d gotten what you needed at the time. Fast forward a few months (or years), and suddenly those familiar struggles start resurfacing. So you start wondering: Is it okay to go back to my old therapist? Or would that just be… weird? Would they even want to see me after so long? 

It’s a more common question than you might think, especially for people looking for therapy in Los Angeles, where the pace of life often means clients step in and out of therapy as circumstances change. Some people worry their therapist will be annoyed, disappointed, or even judgmental if they show up again after a long break. But according to Grazel Garcia, a Los Angeles therapist who’s seen this scenario many times, that couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Therapy doesn’t always end with a dramatic breakthrough or a neat closing session. More often, it just… pauses. Some clients step away because life feels lighter, and they don’t see a need to keep digging. Others run into practical barriers like time, money, or a sudden move. And sometimes, clients never even explain why they’re leaving, they just stop showing up. Grazel Garcia sees this often.  

In Los Angeles especially, where the cost of living is high and schedules are relentless, practical reasons play a huge role. One client may feel steady for a while and decide they’re “done” with therapy. Another might hit financial strain or change jobs, suddenly finding it impossible to carve out an hour each week. And then there are those who move across the city or out of state entirely, leaving behind the therapeutic relationship they’d started to build. 

Research backs up just how common it is for therapy to end before the work feels finished. Studies suggest that around 20% of clients drop out prematurely, often without discussing it with their therapist. That can leave both client and therapist with loose ends, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the door is closed forever. 

Walking back into a therapist’s office after time away can feel a little like showing up at a friend’s house after not talking for months. Will they remember you? Will it feel awkward? The truth is, most therapists view it as a positive sign. Not only is it okay to return, it can actually carry some surprising advantages. 

One of the biggest is the simple fact that the groundwork is already there. 

That sense of safety can’t be overstated. Building trust with a new therapist takes time, sometimes weeks or even months. Returning to someone you’ve already connected with skips over the small talk and lets you drop back into the real work faster. For those seeking individual therapy in Los Angeles, being able to bypass that “getting to know you” stage can make the return feel smoother and more supportive and save all-too-precious time. 

Studies regularly show that the quality of the therapeutic alliance (the trust and bond between therapist and client) is one of the strongest predictors of success in therapy, sometimes even more important than the type of therapy itself. When that alliance is already in place, returning to therapy can feel less like starting over and more like moving forward. 

Another benefit is the chance to revisit past themes with fresh eyes. Sometimes clients leave therapy because they felt “done,” only to discover new layers later on. Coming back allows you to explore those deeper aspects with someone who already understands your history. It’s like rereading a book at a different stage of life: the story hasn’t changed, but your perspective has. 

Most importantly, returning to a therapist doesn’t mean you’ve failed. In fact, it’s often a sign of growth. You recognize you need support again, and you know where you can find it. That level of self-awareness is a strength, not a setback. 

Of course, coming back to therapy isn’t always as simple as picking up where you left off. Sometimes there are real-world barriers or dynamics that make the return more complicated. Knowing what these might look like can help you set realistic expectations and avoid frustration. 

The first potential hurdle is timing. Therapists, especially those offering therapy in Los Angeles, often carry full caseloads. It isn’t unusual for someone to reach out after a break only to hear there’s a waitlist. 

Finances can also create challenges. If you saw your therapist a couple of years ago, their rates may not be the same today. The cost of therapy in Los Angeles typically ranges between $150 and $250 per session, and those fees often increase over time. It doesn’t mean you can’t return, but it’s worth checking in advance so you aren’t surprised. 

Another factor is how much history you shared before stepping away. If you only had a few sessions, your therapist may not have had time to fully understand your story. That doesn’t mean you can’t return, but it may feel more like starting fresh than continuing where you left off. 

Then there’s the emotional side. Some people worry they’ll seem flaky or unreliable if they return after leaving. In reality, most therapists don’t judge that choice, but the fear itself can be a barrier. That hesitation may say more about how you view yourself than about the therapist’s perspective, however. 

It’s also possible that what you need now doesn’t line up with what your previous therapist offers. For example, if you originally sought support for anxiety but are now looking for trauma-focused therapy, your old therapist may not be the best fit. This isn’t a failure on either side; it’s just about finding the right person for the stage you’re in. 

The takeaway? Returning can be incredibly beneficial, but it’s not always a perfect handoff. Practical issues like scheduling and finances may need sorting, and sometimes you’ll discover that your needs have shifted. The important part is not letting those hurdles stop you from seeking support. 

Not everyone’s therapy journey is linear. For some people, it looks more like a series of short chapters: starting, pausing, then circling back when life demands it. While this can feel frustrating, it’s actually a common pattern and one that therapists understand well. 

That stop-start rhythm often reflects how comfortable a client feels with therapy itself. For someone new, the process can feel intimidating. Sitting in a room and sharing openly with a professional isn’t easy, and it can take time to trust the process. Each return signals that a client is willing to go a little deeper, and by the third round, they’re often ready to stay. 

Studies confirm that multiple episodes of therapy are not unusual. In fact, research shows many people return to treatment more than once throughout their lives, using it as a resource at different turning points. Seen through this lens, therapy isn’t a one-time fix but an ongoing tool you can return to as life unfolds. 

For those seeking therapy in Los Angeles, you know how careers, relationships, and living situations often shift quickly, so these patterns make even more sense. Sometimes stepping away is necessary, and coming back doesn’t mean you’re starting over. It means you’re ready for the next layer of work. 

One of the trickiest parts of deciding whether to go back to your old therapist is figuring out if they’re still the right fit. Sometimes the answer is yes: the trust, comfort, and understanding you built before makes returning the clear choice. Other times, your needs or their approach might no longer align, and that’s when looking for someone new becomes the healthier option. 

So how do you know the difference? 

Specialty matters, too. Just as you wouldn’t see a general practitioner for fertility treatment, you may not want to see a trauma-focused therapist if your main goal is building communication skills in your relationship. Different therapists bring different strengths, and sometimes working with someone new can offer fresh perspectives, even if you had a positive experience before. 

There’s also the matter of personal growth. Sometimes clients return expecting things to feel exactly the same, only to find their needs, or their therapist’s approach, have shifted. That’s okay. In fact, it’s normal. What mattered most two years ago may not be what you’re seeking today. 

Research and clinical experience shows that almost half of clients switch therapists at some point in their lives to find a better fit. Switching doesn’t mean your old therapist “failed” or that you weren’t committed. It simply means your path forward required a different perspective. 

For anyone considering therapy in Los Angeles, the key is to be honest with yourself. Ask: Did I feel safe and understood with my old therapist? Do I want to continue where we left off, or do I feel drawn to a different style? Both choices are valid, and both can lead to meaningful growth. 

Deciding whether to go back to your old therapist often comes down to a few practical considerations. The emotional side matters, of course, but logistics play a role too. 

As we mentioned above, scheduling is often the biggest hurdle. Many therapists carry full caseloads, and especially with therapy in Los Angeles, demand can mean waitlists. If you’re hoping to return, it helps to check availability early and be flexible with times. Don’t assume your therapist will have the same openings they had before. And if you’re set on returning to the same therapist, patience might be necessary. 

Finances are another factor. If you return after a year or two, the added experience and training your old therapist has since gained comes with a price tag, so the fee you paid a year or two ago may not be what your therapist charges today. Being prepared for that adjustment can prevent awkward surprises.

It’s also worth seriously considering whether your needs match what your old therapist offers now. Maybe you’re looking to work through a different issue, or you’re curious about trying a different therapeutic approach. Some clients benefit from consistency, while others find value in exploring new perspectives with a different therapist. Neither choice is wrong, it depends on what feels most supportive right now. 

Finally, trust your gut. If you remember feeling safe and understood with your old therapist, that’s a strong indicator that returning could be the right step. If, on the other hand, you’re hesitant because something felt “off” before, it may be time to look elsewhere. 

So, is it okay to go back to your old therapist? Absolutely! In fact, it’s often a sign of growth rather than a step backward. Returning can offer continuity, safety, and the chance to build on the work you’ve already started. And if it turns out your needs have changed, finding a new therapist is just as valid. The important part is that you keep seeking the support you need.