Can Psychotherapy be Damaging?

The Risks of Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is often thought of as a harmless treatment for mental health issues, but research suggests that there is a risk of potential harm. In fact, a recent study showed that, on average, 10% of psychotherapy clients actually get worse after starting therapy. This may be due to a number of factors, including the type of therapy, the therapist’s experience and approach, the client’s expectations of the therapy, or the client’s ability to tolerate the process.

What Are the Potential Harms of Psychotherapy?

The potential harms of psychotherapy can vary greatly depending on the type of therapy, the approach of the therapist, and the expectations of the client. Some of the more common harms of psychotherapy include:

1. Worsening of Symptoms

The most common and potentially serious harm of psychotherapy is the worsening of symptoms. This can happen when the therapist is not experienced enough to assess the client’s needs, or when the client is not able to tolerate the process.

2. Triggering of Memories

Another potential harm of psychotherapy is the triggering of memories. This can occur when the therapist is not sensitive enough to the client’s needs, or when the client is overwhelmed by the process.

3. Uncomfortable Feelings

Uncomfortable feelings can also be a by-product of psychotherapy. This can happen when the therapist pushes the client too hard or too quickly, or when the client is unprepared for the intensity of the process.

4. Unresolved Issues

Finally, unresolved issues can be a potential harm of psychotherapy. This can occur when the therapist does not have the experience or skill to help the client work through their issues, or when the client is resistant to the process.

What Can You Do to Lower the Risk of Harm?

The most important thing you can do to lower the risk of harm from psychotherapy is to choose a qualified therapist who has experience with the type of therapy you need. You should also make sure that you are comfortable with the therapist’s approach and expectations. Finally, you should be prepared to discuss any concerns you have with the therapist before beginning the process.

Conclusion

Psychotherapy can be a beneficial treatment for mental health issues, but it can also be harmful. The risk of harm can be minimized by choosing a qualified therapist and being prepared to discuss any concerns before beginning the process. It is important to remember that, while the risks of psychotherapy can be concerning, the potential benefits of therapy can often outweigh the risks.