Does therapy really work?

cont. from

Talking treatments like therapy or counseling certainly do work, but not always. There are many people whose lives have improved beyond recognition as a result of attending a group, or seeing a counselor or psychotherapist. It may have been a struggle and taken a long time, but it has been worth it. Profound changes have taken place and they know, whatever happens, they will not experience their old problems again.

Others know that they have, at least, experienced some benefit. They may understand themselves better and have some clues about how they can lead more positive lives. The good periods may last longer and the bad times may be more manageable.

Some people are disappointed. They may have found their counselor or psychotherapist never really understood them, or felt that they did not fit into their group. A bad experience of talking treatments may have left them feeling more hopeless than before. Talking treatments vary in their quality. Some professionals are simply better at their jobs than others. They all have strengths and weaknesses. Some may be better at helping women than men. Others may have a great deal of understanding of depression but not of addiction.

Therapists use different methods, and some may be more effective than others. Or one may particularly suit you when another one does not. Your own attitude will also make a difference. Some people find that just knowing that their therapist is there and focusing on their concerns makes them feel valued.

If you go along determined to make the most of every session and to be completely honest about yourself, it is more likely to work. If, as a result of what you learn about yourself, you are prepared to face your fears and risk making changes in your life, you are much more likely to achieve good results.

It is useful if you can be clear about how you hope to benefit from the talking treatments. It will help you to make the best use of your sessions and, also, to decide if it is proving to be useful for you.

How can I get started?

Talking treatments may be available free through various support groups, an area medical school psychiatric training program, through social services or from independent organizations, such as the local women's shelter. What is available varies a great deal from place to place. Unfortunately, there is not always something suitable. What services do exist are often not well publicized, and it is worth asking about them in as many places as possible. Try your local support group, your doctor, local social services or United Way, or the other organizations listed here.

Sometimes, counseling organizations ask for a donation, based on what you can afford. If you are a student, you may find you can see a counselor at your college. Large companies sometimes employ counselors for their staff. Some therapeutic communities are free.

The cost of private counseling or psychotherapy can vary a great deal. A fee of $60-150 per session is quite common. Groups may be cheaper. Sometimes you can pay less if you are on a low income, or if you are prepared to see a student (who should be supervised by an experienced therapist).

There are many diplomas and certificates, each requiring different amounts of study and experience. (For information about the organizations mentioned see Useful organizations.) Check whether your counselor or therapist is a member of a professional body with insurance and a complaints procedure. He or she should be working to a code of practice and should be able to give you a copy of it.

Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways of identifying good practitioners. If you know people who have seen counselors and psychotherapists, it’s worth asking them if they can recommend someone.

It’s usual to have an initial assessment or interview so that the group leader, psychotherapist or counselor can decide if they can help you, and you can decide if you want to see them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their training, experience and anything else you want to know, and whether or not they are receiving supervision from someone more experienced. If you are religious, you may want to ask how the person feels about your beliefs.

If you have the choice, it may be worth seeing several people before you make up your mind. The most important question to ask yourself is, 'Can I make a good relationship with this person?' Research suggests this is one of the most important ingredients in successful treatments.

If you can’t find the talking treatment you want, there may be a befriending scheme, in your area. This is not as formal as the talking treatments described here. You will be introduced to someone who will listen to you sympathetically and help you in whatever ways they can.

continue: How should this relationship work?

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Reviewed: 04/2006