I mean, how many times, how you heard, they should get therapy, or he or she 'needs help' but honestly, does it actually work, does it actually do any good for those who 'need help'? how do you know?
2006-11-26 13:17:41 · 12 answers · asked by kewtber 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Woody Allen was in therapy for 20 years or more. I don't think it works.
2006-11-26 13:26:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The answer is yes, it helps, if the people seeking it do their part.
I have seen lives turned around and the person goes on to do incredible things with their new life.
It also depends on what they are dealing with too. If you are speaking of someone suffering from a major mental illness that requires medication and a psychiatrist, that is something entirely different. Those folks survive on the medications keeping them on track and see a counselor for the meds and counseling.
For people dealing with lifes problems that range from stress to abuse, counseling (talk therapy) is very helpful when the person understands it isn't a magic cure where you walk in and *poof* you're "cured". You have to do your work.
2006-11-26 13:25:18 · answer #2 · answered by MadforMAC 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Despite the cynacism, this is actually a very good question.
To answer your question, "Does it actually do any good for someone who "needs" help?" This can go either way. If you look at someone who is depressed and suicidal, we would agree that they "need" help, whether or not the therapy will work is entirely up to them.
Psychotherapy is not designed to provide a quick fix to a specific problem. It is designed to help the patient identify certain patterns in their thoughts, feelings and behaviors and what leads to the problems they are causing. Once identified its the patients "choice" to make important "changes" in their behavior, that will help them acheive positive results.
Our behaviors are programmed into our brain, through a complex process over a long period of time. It is extremely difficult to change these behaviors, our brain makes it difficult for us. It's the goal of every therapist to help identify what changes need to be made and help provide the patient the motivation and strength to make them.
Sometimes the patient will need more strength then what they derive out of the therapy alone. For this purpose, you can find a support group relating to any emotional dysfunction in life. Whether it's substance abuse, losing a child, losing a parent or suffering a tramatic event, there's a support group for it.
Support groups are designed for two purposes, to give the individual information and to build strength through a strong social network of people that they can relate to.
If the person afflicted is not motivated to identify their problems and build enough stregth to make changes in their lives, then it won't work. To be fair, there are bad therapists too, but in that case it's encumbent on the patient to find a therapist that they are comfortable with that will show results. People usually have to see 4 - 5 therapists before they find the right one.
If you're looking for proof, the federal government provides research grants to psychotherapist to conduct case studies in documenting effectiveness of any theraputic approach to solving a problem. You can easily google "reasearch on CBT for substance abuse" or "efficacy of DBT therapy on patients with borderline personality disorder". You'll find hundreds of documents covering every detail of the research, there my friend, is your proof.
If you want more proof, just ask me, I'll be happy to talk to you, as I've been in intensive cognitive behavioral therapy for quite some time - it truly took me out of the deepest of holes and made my life much much better.
Cheers
2006-11-26 13:44:42 · answer #3 · answered by Altruist 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The proof is that I am still alive. I get so frustrated when I hear people disregarding therapy and medication. If it weren't for my years in therapy and antidepressants, I am absolutely sure I'd be dead by now. Not necessarily suicide, I just feel like I would not be here. I would have starved to death or wandered into traffic by now.
2006-11-26 17:27:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
It worked for me in addition to seeing a psychiatrist to manage my meds. I see a case worker trained in psychotherapy (cheaper than psychiatrist) now on an as needed basis. I see her when I have an issue to work through & need advice from a 3rd uninvolved party. Usually I can now take care of a problem in one visit.
2006-11-26 13:30:47 · answer #5 · answered by Judith 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all the only way therapy works is if the person who is seeking it wants the help.
Just like a drug addict, alcholic, angry person. They have to want to change and therapy does work
I have gone for therapy for my depression but I wanted to go. you can't force a person to go it doesn't work.
2006-11-26 13:44:08 · answer #6 · answered by dee luna 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Worked wonders for me. I was really depressed and confused after my brother's death. Perhaps it was time that made me better, but I think it was my counselor. I saw her every week for a year or so and by the time I was done I was a whole different, better person.
2006-11-26 13:20:55 · answer #7 · answered by J 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would consider myself proof.
Therapy plus a ton of work on my part led me to a far more satisfying life.
We all know people who we "think" should get help...and probably they do.
Sometimes rock bottom has to be hit before a person realizes how bad things are.
2006-11-26 13:28:28 · answer #8 · answered by moraine 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a very good blog, a beginner’s guide to abnormal psychology.
Short, clear and simple; and you can even post your question and contact the author regarding particular subject you are interested in, for FREE
http://sensitive-psychoworld.blogspot.com/
2006-11-27 01:23:29 · answer #9 · answered by LIz 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes it works. I've been to a psychotherapist. Nothing major. But she helped me realize things that I never did before.
2006-11-26 14:01:16 · answer #10 · answered by Somechicknamednicole 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋