Lately, I have been seeing sweeping claims online (usually in the comments section) from various people that confidently state that psychotherapy is a scam, that it doesn’t work, or that is is a form of manipulation. As a psychotherapist these comments horrify me, as these assertions, however passionately made, misrepresent psychotherapy and also potentially deter individuals from seeking the help they genuinely need.
I think these attitudes stem from people perhaps being unclear what psychotherapy is meant to accomplish. While skepticism towards any field is natural and healthy, it is equally important to base our judgments on facts. The aims of psychotherapy is to help us understand and resolve our problems by increasing our awareness of our inner world and its influence on our relationships and behavior. The ultimate goal is to enhance our well-being, enabling us to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
I understand that we can often have unpleasant experiences in therapy. Sometimes we must share painful personal experiences, other times we feel misunderstood by our therapist, and occasionally, our therapists may stay something to us we simply do not like. The difficult experiences we have in therapy should be no different than our experiences in our relationships, with challenges serving as opportunities to help us grow. But to feel consistently manipulated, conned, or to feel no growth or movement towards our goals signals that we are seeing the wrong therapist, or that there may be more serious underlying issues at play.
It is important for us to understand the scope of practice within psychotherapy. Contrary to some beliefs, psychotherapists do not diagnose nor prescribe medications. These responsibilities fall within the purview of clinical psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychotherapy focuses on providing therapeutic support that uses various methods tailored to our needs. This distinction is vital as it underscores the psychotherapist’s role in the broader mental health ecosystem.
For individuals with diagnosed conditions, such as personality disorders or other serious mental illnesses, psychotherapy can be incredibly beneficial if working with a psychotherapist who is well-trained in dealing with those specific mental health disorders. However, the efficacy of these interventions heavily depends on the accuracy of the initial diagnosis. Without a proper diagnosis, which psychotherapists are not qualified to give, the treatment may not adequately address the individual’s specific needs.
It is also important to understand that the success of psychotherapy is most often measured by the strength of the relationship between the therapist and the client. The quality of the connection, the mutual respect, and the understanding between the two are fundamental. It is this bond that facilitates healing and personal growth. A strong therapeutic alliance provides a safe space for us to explore our thoughts and feelings, fostering significant breakthroughs in therapy.
Conversely, if the therapeutic relationship lacks these qualities, the effectiveness of the therapy will be compromised. It’s not merely about the therapist’s credentials or the techniques they use, the personal connection and the ability to relate on a human level are what truly empower us to engage in the therapeutic process and achieve our goals.
Addressing these misconceptions can help us better understand psychotherapy as a valuable resource that can offer profound benefits. Psychotherapy, when conducted by trained professionals within their scope of practice and with a strong therapeutic relationship, can lead to remarkable transformations. As we continue to navigate the complexities of mental health, it is imperative that we maintain a clear and accurate understanding of what psychotherapy entails and what it can achieve.