A common question that people have, which I fully respect, is “Does therapy work?“. You will be dedicating your valuable time, energy, and thoughtfulness to a process that can sometimes lead to discomfort and psychological challenges. Thus, asking, “Does therapy work?” is intelligent and natural.
The short answer is that treatment can be very effective, meaningful, and essential. However, the effectiveness depends on various factors. These factors include the type of therapeutic approach, the specific issues being addressed, the skills and expertise of the therapist, and your willingness and commitment.
Keys to Answering “Does Therapy Work?”
The following are three keys to answering the question, “Does therapy work?” or, more precisely, “Will therapy work for me?”
Type of Therapy and the Question, “Does Therapy Work?”
I can provide different types of therapy and sometimes braid them together to give the best combination. I choose among cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), positive psychology, Solution-Focused Therapy, gestalt therapy, and more. It is essential that we choose the best approach to suit your needs and the questions you came into therapy asking.
Therapist’s Qualifications and Fit
The competence and experience of the therapist play a crucial role in the success of therapy. The therapeutic relationship is essential. A trusting and supportive relationship between me and you is vital to success. I suggest you read about my approach and my bio and maybe browse my blog to see if it seems I would be a good fit for you. I can even help you find a different therapist if you are looking for an approach I do not provide. There is a wide network of colleagues I can refer you to.
Your Motivation and Commitment
Your willingness to engage and actively participate in the process will significantly impact its effectiveness. Openness to change and a commitment to working on one’s issues are important. I will provide a safe, confidential, and kind environment to maximize your chances of engaging. We will go over the probable duration and course of treatment. Time and consistency are essential, and you must know what to expect. Both of us must have clear goals and realistic expectations. Progress may not always be linear, and setbacks can occur.
Does Therapy Work for All Issues?
The answer to “Does Therapy Work?” depends on the problem’s nature and severity. Some issues may be more challenging to treat than others. When we first meet, I will let you know whether I feel treatment can be effective for the issues you bring and what you should expect as far as relief from any symptoms.
The longer answer to the question, “Does therapy work for all issues?” involves looking at the issue’s type, severity, and cause. It also depends on what you mean by “work.” For example, while it may not be able to eliminate a depression that was caused by a chemical imbalance, it can help you manage the symptoms and find more relief than you’d have without treatment. If you are anxious or depressed because of an ongoing issue, treatment may be unable to change the issue, but it can help you better manage its effects.
Does Therapy Work for All Couples’ Issues Too?
If you are considering going as a couple, “Does therapy work for couples?” may be top of mind. This may be a more complex situation. A lot depends on the reason you are seeking couples treatment and each person’s motivation to engage. If the reason for couples’ therapy is something both people feel they can work through, and both commit to that, then it can work very well.
With couples treatment, I try to be clear if the goals are realistic. In some cases, due to uneven motivation or the depth of the problem, I will tell the couple that treatment may not help. This is rare, and I mention this more so you know that if we do work together, I hope it will work well.
Ways to Help Therapy Work
So, does therapy work? Yes, it does, and there are ways to enhance the chances it will work for you. For example:
Evidence-Based Approaches
Many therapeutic approaches have been extensively studied and shown to be effective. These therapies help answer the question, “Does therapy work?” by bringing data and statistics about how people have been helped, and the methods are based on science. I offer Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is an evidence-based approach. I also provide exposure methods for some anxieties. These two approaches I use in my practice are examples of science-based approaches.
Match to the Issue
The type of treatment should match the specific issue being addressed. For example, a person struggling with depression may benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy, a person experiencing life transition may do well with positive psychology, and someone with short-term stress may look to Solution-Focused Therapy. I offer a variety of clinical approaches, and that is why I describe my practice as “integrative.”
If I feel that another approach would better serve you, I have a network of trusted providers I can refer you to.
Does Therapy Work? Only if the Therapist is Well-Trained
The therapist’s qualifications, experience, and training play a significant role in the effectiveness. It’s essential to work with a licensed and reputable therapist. You can read my bio on this site and decide whether I meet this criteria, and I’d also be happy to talk to you more generally about what to look for in a therapist if you feel we are not a match.
Consistency and Persistence
Consistency in attending sessions and actively participating is critical to achieving positive outcomes. Some issues may require ongoing or intermittent treatment over an extended period. It’s essential to be patient and persistent. In some cases, involving family members, friends, or support groups can enhance the effectiveness.
Cultural Sensitivity
The cultural competence of the therapist can be crucial in ensuring that therapy is appropriate and effective for individuals from diverse backgrounds. This does not mean that the therapist has to be an exact match for your cultural heritage, but you do need to feel understood and accepted.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of treatment is a highly individualized experience. Some people may experience significant improvements and relief from their symptoms, while others may find it less helpful. This is why I offer a consultation before we start so we can talk about the likely outcomes for your specific concerns, along with an expected timeline.
Conclusions and My Work
It’s important to note that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and what works for one person may not work as effectively for another. I may not be the best fit for you because another approach may work more effectively, and we can discuss that.
So, does therapy work? Yes, if the above issues fall into place, it can be a valuable tool for personal growth, self-discovery, and mental health concerns. Therapy has worked well for many people I have seen; as psychologists, we always learn and improve our craft. As I’ve said elsewhere, therapy results should be meaningful, measurable, and clear. Then, when you ask yourself, “Does therapy work?” after a few sessions, you should come to a clear answer. If you’re considering therapy, please contact me with any questions.
