In episode 38: Why Won’t Therapy Work? We discuss some of the reasons people put off speaking with a mental health provider. Some wonder, does therapy really work? As we probably all would admit, humans can be stubborn and many of us are very reluctant to admit we have a problem. While such “denial” is commonly associated with substance abuse, it is actually common for all mental health issues. One of the ways to avoid dealing with a problem is to say nothing can be done to improve it. If you keep running into the same obstacles (anger, bad relationships, trouble with co-workers), you have a problem whether you want to admit it or not. Does therapy work with that problem? According to the American Psychiatric Association about 75% of the people who seek therapy benefit from it.
The Right Type of Therapy
To answer the question, “Does therapy work?”, you have to consider the type of therapy being used. Therapy comes in many varieties, a little like ice cream. Every therapist has been trained in at least a few different models. Some methods have been developed for specific problems. Over time, like other health professionals, therapists tend to specialize in dealing with particular kinds of problems. They then use one or more of the models found to be effective with those kinds of problems. Of course, new ideas and methods of therapy are always being developed. For that reason, the age and experience of the therapist as well as where they were trained also help determine what models they use. If your doctor can’t help with your physical symptoms, you probably will seek a second opinion. Similarly, if one therapy or therapist doesn’t work for you, consider seeing someone else.
Therapy is Learning
Saying therapy doesn’t work is a bit like saying you have nothing to learn. At its heart therapy is a collaborative learning experience. The therapist has experience and expertise in dealing with human dilemmas. The client’s role is to engage as an interested learner. Just like in school, passive learners, those who wait for information to be given to them, profit less than those who do their homework, ask questions, and try to absorb the material. Asking does therapy work is similar to asking does education work?
How Do I Know My Therapy Does Work?
Often one of the best indications is what others, especially those closest to you, think. If after being in therapy you get positive feedback from them about your mood, your choices, your attitude–it’s probably working. You may also notice these changes in yourself. Often, the therapist will encourage you to record particular behaviors (e.g., How much alcohol you consume, grades in classes, arguments with others) as a way of gauging your progress.
When Do I Know I’m Done?
Therapy is a little like continuing education. Maybe you’re never “done” in the sense that there is always more to learn. However, there are convenient times to stop. For example, you might want to stop after you accomplished certain goals (e.g., quit smoking, found a job, graduated, began a new relationship). You may also end therapy because your life circumstances change. For example, you move, need a different kind of therapy, or no longer are covered by the same insurance. A good therapist doesn’t seek to keep you in treatment. Rather, the therapist works with you to make decisions about ending the process. After you have experienced improvement, your therapist may suggest “tapering” your sessions (i.e., seeing you less frequently).
In Conclusion…
Therapy is a collaborative learning process between the therapist and the client. A bit like a skilled mechanic, a good therapist is familiar with the kinds of problems you’re experiencing. Rather than taking apart your car, though, the therapist works with you to try out new ideas and behaviors which may help your life run smoother. By engaging actively in the process you will enhance your ability to make things better.