What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a form of psychological treatment, which involves talking with a mental health professional in order to address the underlying causes of mental health problems. It can be used to treat a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. It can also be used to help individuals cope with life changes, or to develop healthier habits.
What is the Failure Rate of Psychotherapy?
The failure rate of psychotherapy can vary depending on the type of treatment being used, the patient’s mental health issue and their individual circumstances. Generally, research suggests that psychotherapy can be effective in treating mental health issues and improving overall wellbeing.
A study by Lambert (2013) found that between 5 to 10% of patients undergoing psychotherapy deteriorated in their treatment, while 35 to 40% did not experience improvement. While this may seem like a high rate of failure, it is important to consider that improvement is often gradual and that some individuals may not reach the level of improvement they are seeking.
Why Does Psychotherapy Fail?
There are a number of reasons why psychotherapy may fail to provide the desired results. These can include:
- Inadequate Treatment – Psychotherapy is a complex process and requires a skilled and experienced therapist in order to be effective. If the therapist is not adequately trained or lacks the experience to effectively treat the patient, then the therapy may not be effective.
- Inadequate Communication – Communication is key in psychotherapy, and if the therapist and patient are unable to effectively communicate then the therapy may not be successful. This could be due to language barriers, cultural differences or the patient’s inability to express their feelings.
- Unrealistic Expectations – Psychotherapy is not a quick fix and requires dedication and commitment from both the patient and the therapist. If the patient’s expectations are too high then they may become frustrated and disappointed if the therapy does not progress as quickly as they would like.
- Lack of Motivation – Psychotherapy requires the patient to be willing to change and make adjustments to their behavior in order to achieve the desired results. If the patient is not motivated to make these changes, then the therapy may not be effective.
- Inconsistent Sessions – Psychotherapy is a process that requires regular sessions in order to be effective. If the patient does not attend sessions regularly, or does not follow through with the therapist’s instructions, then the therapy may not be successful.
How to Improve the Success Rate of Psychotherapy
There are a number of steps that can be taken to improve the success rate of psychotherapy. These include:
- Finding the Right Therapist – It is important to find a therapist who is experienced and has the necessary qualifications to effectively treat the mental health issue. It is also important to make sure that the therapist is the right fit for the patient, and that they have the same values and beliefs.
- Setting Realistic Goals – Psychotherapy can take time to be effective, and it is important to set achievable goals for the therapy. This can help to ensure that the patient is not disappointed if progress is slower than expected.
- Maintaining Consistency – It is important to attend regular sessions and to follow the therapist’s instructions in order to achieve the desired results. It is also important to be honest and open with the therapist in order to ensure that the therapy is effective.
- Practicing Self-Care – Psychotherapy can be a difficult process, and it is important to take care of oneself during this time. This can include engaging in activities such as exercise, getting adequate sleep and eating a balanced diet. It is also important to maintain healthy relationships with friends and family.
Conclusion
The failure rate of psychotherapy can vary depending on the type of treatment being used, the patient’s mental health issue and their individual circumstances. Generally, research suggests that psychotherapy can be effective in treating mental health issues and improving overall wellbeing. However, there are a number of factors that can influence the success rate of psychotherapy, and it is important to take these into consideration when seeking treatment. By finding the right therapist, setting realistic goals, maintaining consistency and practicing self-care, individuals can improve the chances of psychotherapy being successful.
