Whether it’s for help facing the normal challenges of daily life or overcoming serious illnesses such as bipolar disorder or major depression, psychotherapy is widely viewed as an effective, healthy alternative to prescription medication.
Yet, unlike most medical treatments, psychotherapy can take a considerable amount of time to be effective. Whereas a bacterial infection or virus can be cured in a matter of days, social anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder can take months, or even years, to successfully treat with counseling psychotherapy. Of course, the alternative of psychiatric medications often involves a life-long commitment to popping pills.
That having been said, if the results of successful therapy are months or years away, how can you detect whether your therapy is working?
This question seems even more difficult to answer the more it’s considered. For instance, many people equate successful psychotherapy with feeling better. However, since the symptoms and intensity of mood disorders fluctuate over time, a person receiving less than exemplary psychotherapy may thrive for some time, while another receiving the best treatment possible may suffer a great deal.
Nevertheless, according to one of the most well-known psychotherapy surveys ever undertaken (Consumer Reports’ 1994 annual questionnaire), most Americans who’ve had psychotherapy have found it worthwhile. Among 7,000 respondents to the survey, 4,100 had been to mental health practitioners. The majority experienced successful outcomes associated with therapy, no matter whether they went to a marriage and family therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. And the ones in longer-term therapy described even more success than those who attended therapy for a brief period of time.
Of course, like anything in life, not all therapy is helpful. Many people seeking therapy already experience problems with relationships. These same people sometimes find it quite hard to leave a therapist who’s no longer helping them and look for someone who’s a more suitable fit. And choosing a therapist who’s a strong match is among the vital factors resulting in effective therapy.
Unfortunately, many people are unlikely to seek a second opinion from another therapist after they’ve already started therapy. Some might not want to hurt the therapist’s feelings or some might be concerned about being rejected by the therapist. Additionally, aside from the conspicuous monetary incentive to retain a client, some therapists may reject a client’s desire for a second opinion because of it representing a failure of their services.
Unfortunately, just as clients aren’t consistently the best judges of the helpfulness of psychotherapy, psychotherapists may not be the ideal judges of whether therapy is performing effectively. This may be because of a therapist becoming blinded by their own optimism or wish to be successful, or it can be a result of a misguided “no pain, no gain” perception of therapy.
Though improper treatment may be easier to identify than the qualities of successful therapy, there are qualities that seem to be shared by reliable therapists:
Compassionate Honesty – When selecting a therapist, find one who truthfully shares his or her thoughts and observations – not critically, but compassionately and empathetically.
Complete Disclosure – A superior therapist will honestly discuss with you any diagnosis, treatment notes, exact goals and objectives, and out of therapy. You should also feel confident that your therapist will provide answers to any questions that you have concerning their professional history and your treatment.
Flexibility in Treatment – While most therapists have one or more treatment methodologies they prefer, a good therapist understands that not all theories of human behavior fit all humans. An effective therapist should also be understanding and respectful of a wide range of cultures and belief systems.
Understanding of Limits – Even the most effective therapists won’t be able to effectively and efficiently remove every condition. When selecting a therapist, ask for an example of a difficulty that they are insufficiently qualified to manage or that is generally beyond the scope of the services they offer. When they can’t or won’t reply, continue looking for someone who will.
Focused on Solutions for You – Solution-focused counseling, even when provided as a part of more in-depth psychotherapy, is more likely to be successful. A competent therapist isn’t going to spend time analyzing what’s already working, or insist you need therapy if you don’t.
Aside from these traits, you should feel that your therapist is compassionate, non-judgmental, and understands you as an individual human being. Good therapists should be able to explain the nature of the issues you’re experiencing in terms you’ll understand, and offer several treatment options that may help.
While it’s not a guarantee of successful therapy, you should also make certain your therapist is a licensed mental health professional in good-standing with their state licensing organization.
In conclusion, psychotherapy is an unquestionably personal business. If you require a double bypass, it won’t make a significant difference whether you like your heart specialist personally provided that he’s qualified and proficient. In therapy, skill and expertise are beneficial, but not sufficient. The rapport and trust you build with your therapist, more than just about anything else, will determine your therapy’s effectiveness. Make sure you and your therapist are the right fit, or keep searching until you discover a therapist who is. In the end, choosing the right therapist relates directly to your long-term happiness and success.
Felita Fox is a therapist in Cupertino, CA, where she specializes in providing couples counseling.