Over the past 30 years of practicing psychotherapy with adults, people have often asked me similar questions. Sometimes these come up during a brief phone consultation before starting therapy, during sessions, or even in social settings when someone learns I am a psychologist.
I am always glad to answer because therapy can feel mysterious, and there are many misconceptions about it. A common question is whether I think therapy works, and whether it will work for them.
After many years in this field, I can confidently say that therapy does work, and research supports this. That said, mental health conditions and life circumstances vary widely and treatment must be tailored to each individual for the best results. Research summaries show that about 65 to 80 percent of people report therapy to be helpful. The exact number depends on how helpfulness is measured and which approach is used, but these figures are generally accepted in the field.
People are often surprised to learn that while certain approaches work best for specific conditions, one of the strongest predictors of success is the quality of the relationship between therapist and patient.
In this relationship it is very important that you feel:
- safe and understood from the beginning
- able to speak openly without judgment
- involved in deciding what to explore, change, or work on
- your values and interests are respected
- your confidentiality is protected
- the therapy is focused on you, not the therapist
- there are clear and healthy boundaries
- free to take a break or stop therapy if you choose
Another common question is, how do I know if I need therapy?
Psychologists are trained to consider the frequency, intensity, and duration of symptoms and how they compare to what is typical. I often suggest people ask themselves whether their emotions or symptoms are making their life feel smaller, poorer, or more limited. Are they affecting sleep, travel, education, relationships, physical health, or the ability to enjoy life?
If so, therapy is likely worth trying.
How will psychotherapy help me?
I also explain that therapy does not remove difficult emotions or eliminate life’s problems. Instead, it helps you change how you respond to them. A consistent and supportive therapeutic relationship can help you:
- manage emotional reactions more effectively
- understand your thoughts and behavior patterns more clearly
- live more fully in the present and make decisions aligned with your values
- reduce fear and increase flexibility
- develop healthier relationships
These changes can even affect how your brain functions and forms connections over time, which can help make progress more lasting.
What about medication and how do I know if I need it?
While therapy is effective, research shows that for some people, therapy combined with medication works better than either independently. There is no one size fits all answer. I work with individuals who have very different symptoms and needs.
Based on clinical experience, I help patients decide whether consulting a physician about medication could be beneficial. This can often be clarified within a few sessions. If medication is prescribed, it may be short term or longer term, depending on the person’s needs and response.
I am more likely to suggest a medication evaluation when symptoms are severe or potentially dangerous, when medication may help someone fully engage in therapy, or when there is concern about a biological condition that requires confirmation and treatment.
I hope this information helps you make thoughtful decisions about psychotherapy for yourself or a loved one. Remember, if the fit with a therapist does not feel right, you are not obligated to continue.
You can seek someone who helps you feel seen, heard, understood, and not judged.
Best of luck on your journey.
Dr. Hayley Hirschmann is a clinical psychologist in private practice with the Morris Psychological Group, P.A. in Parsippany. Practice specialties include treatment of adult depressive and anxiety disorders and grief management. She also has a special interest in, and experience treating, mental health issues specific to women. Such issues include, but are not limited to, post-partum depression, post-surgery depression, menopause-related depression, adjustment to divorce or single parenthood, and coping with chronic illness, losses, or trauma.
