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Does therapy work?

This is a controversial question and the subject of much research. The bottom line answer is "yes," the majority of people attain benefit from participating in therapy.

Consumer Reports magazine conducted a study that found that therapy consumers were happy with their results, regardless of the type of therapy involved. (Click here to see a summary of that study.) Other research has found evidence for the effectiveness of certain therapy approaches for defined problems. For example, cognitive-behavior therapy produces demonstrable results for the treatment of such problems as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

The factor that seems to be the most important for therapy to be effective is a "good fit" between therapist and client. (See the section on "Choosing a Therapist".)

Dr. Joyce Nash, PhD    (650) 329-1000