This is Why Therapy Works

Why does two people talking in a room together make such a huge impact on people's mental health?

Here's what really matters in therapy, and what to look for in a therapist.

Research Referenced:
DeRubeis, R. J., Siegle, G. J., & Hollon, S. D. (2008). Cognitive therapy versus medication for depression: treatment outcomes and neural mechanisms.

Herman S. M. (1997). The relationship between therapist-client modality similarity and psychotherapy outcome.

Ardito, R. B., & Rabellino, D. (2011). Therapeutic alliance and outcome of psychotherapy: historical excursus, measurements, and prospects for research.

Dunkle, John & Friedlander, Myrna. (1996). Contribution of Therapist Experience and Personal Characteristics to the Working Alliance.

Lynch, Margaret McCoy. (2012). Factors Influencing Successful Psychotherapy Outcomes.

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[johall]

I loved this straight forward explanation. It also reminds me of the approach I am trying to take with my 17 year old daughter. I can see the great benefit of this approach with her over my worn out and limited old habits of advising and cheering up.

[sallymayo]

I love this explanation, Forrest. Therapy is a mysterious thing! I may refer my clients to this video to 'initiate' them to the therapy process.

[kyczy]

This is wonderful! Exactly " the therapist isn't overwhelmed by your feelings". This helped me know/see that my feelings weren't TOO BIG and that they were survivable. Perhaps this is why sponsorship in ACA and other recovery programs work as most sponsors in addiction recovery are "lay" listeners, . Of course, this is with a limited scope; focused on the steps and listening with empathy (most of the time. There are awful sponsors out there.) If we stay in our lane and refer to other professionals it can be effective.

[brightheart]

A lucid explanation of what actually works in building a therapeutic relationship. I want to link this to my therapy website.

[jacktesmer]

This was a great breakdown being heard is so important!!

[peterreed]

I tried numerous types of therapy and antidepressants, however to date each every one has been a complete waste of time and money. If they work for you be grateful because they don't work to me.

[jennifershadley]

Forrest, I would very much like to see you and your dad discuss the unique therapy needs of people who have caused an accidental death. There are no resources for these people. Every 18 minutes a person is accidentally killed. The shame and guilt are paralyzing. This should be a specialty in counseling. Over 180k people a year accidentally cause the death of a person. Please shine a potlight on this devastating issue. Thanks.

[gabrielgoncalves]

Think that the hard part of believing that the therapist is willing to sit there and make a bond is that you still pay them. They are your "friend" while you pay them.

[peterreed]

My last therapist commented that I didn't trust them...I had to agree. The only people in my life I trust I've know for well in excess of 10 years. Therefore any therapist is already at a disadvantage of they think they have any chance of me dropping my guard and trusting them...it's simply not going to happen

[ToyotaTom]

Mental health treatment does not work. I’ve never been to a therapist and felt heard or understood or cared for. Nor have any of the therapy modalities made any sense to me

[Blechinstrument]

Isn't therapy just "Your problems aren't even that bad. Quit whining." in a fancy hat?

[meropale]

The overwhelming majority of studies have found that psychotherapy helps people. 😂 Who is funding these studies?

[johnbolender]

In Porphyry's Life of Plotinus, we learn that the mystic Plotinus refused to discuss his life or reflect upon it. He focused on transcendent truths instead. Plotinus found peace by doing the polar opposite of psychotherapy.

[soundsgood]

Listen to J Kristnamurti if you want to understand the workings of our limited mind which in fact is at the core of all fear and suffering. If you want to understand and make use of pyschology (it has it's place) you'll need to research J Kristnamurti's teachings. His words of wisdom alone are your healing/therapy.This is so because you'll be having a conversation with yourselve using his insights, you will come to know yourself finally, therefore all of mankind an perceive that new reality, that you are one with everything and not fragmented, separated or alone. You will become a better psychologist. Think of it, how can our mind which is disordered due to it's content (conditioned cruel/brutel world we were born into, yes), how can that same disordered content bring about any change for the better? It never has, right? And never will. My 2 cents

[dee_ustad]

I'm changing my psychotherapist, he is very rude, judgy, implying me that I'm wrong. My problems are fake 😢.

[gianni_]

Andrew Tate mockingly argues the dilemma with therapy

[adrian_zombturtle]

This guy looks like he needs a therapist