Research has shown that most of the common approaches to therapy are about equally successful. In general, psychotherapy clients are better off after therapy than they were before it, and they are better off after therapy than 80% of untreated persons. Therapy is very helpful when the client is depressed, anxious, unhappy, a survivor of trauma, or suffering from a life-problem which requires lots of emotional energy and attention. People who are depressed may find their mood lifting. Others may no longer feel afraid, angry, or anxious. In therapy, people have a chance to talk things out fully until their feelings are relieved or the problems are solved. Clients’ relationships and coping skills may improve greatly. They may get more satisfaction out of social and family relationships. Their personal goals and values may become clearer. They may grow in many directions—as persons, in their close relationships, in their work or schooling, and in the ability to enjoy their lives. At PEACE Psychotherapy, we do not take on clients we do not think we can help.
In particular, a DBT approach focuses on closely analysing maladaptive behaviour patterns and learning and practicing skills to be more effective in life, and it has been very effective at treating problems related to emotional dysregulation. Family therapy can help to change patterns of interaction in the family that contribute to the problem and interfere with efforts to progress. There are also added benefits to group therapy, including building social networks, learning and practicing skillful living, increased self-confidence, and a reduction in social anxiety.
There are potential risks to psychotherapy. People may initially feel worse as the therapy progresses. For example, in therapy, there is a risk that clients will, for a time, have uncomfortable levels of sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness, helplessness, or other negative feelings. Clients may recall unpleasant memories. These feelings or memories may bother a client at work or in school. Sometimes, too, a client’s problems may temporarily worsen after the beginning of treatment. Most of these risks are to be expected when people are making important changes in their lives. In rare cases, psychotherapy may even trigger some people to have thoughts about wanting to hurt themselves or end their lives. It is always important that you tell your therapist if you are having any frightening or dangerous thoughts or feelings, or if you are considering harming yourself or someone else. If there is significant suicidal ideation or a history of suicidal attempts and we do agree to work together, we will expect that your family or significant other supports are aware of this, and that you are prepared to use a crisis service if necessary.
Some clients develop strong feelings about their therapists. This is especially true in longer therapies. Such feelings are normal, even if sometimes uncomfortable or confusing. Any feelings are possible, and the rule for them all is to talk them over with the therapist. They are experienced with this and will help you understand how this is part of your progress.
Therapy can also be very challenging, as it is often about making changes or about looking at yourself differently. Therapy can change how you live, and it can change how you feel about your relationships.
While a high degree of confidentiality is necessary for therapy to be effective, there are some limits to confidentiality. For example, therapists often participate in consultations, or “therapy for the therapist”, where it may be helpful to discuss your case. Also, disclosures of intent to self-harm or harm others may require your therapist to notify the legal guardian or a trusted family member. This is also the case where a child may be in need of protection. If there is anything you wish to discuss in therapy that you do not want shared with anyone, please discuss this with your therapist. In family therapy, it might at times be necessary to encourage more open communication between family members, and to address concerns and issues that have gone unacknowledged for years.
Psychotherapy is not free and for many there is a personal financial cost. If you have health insurance, it may pay some portion of the fee. Prior to beginning therapy we recommend you speak to your insurance representative and find out how much you are expected to pay and if there are limits to the number of sessions your insurance will provide.
Some research suggests that when one spouse or partner meets alone with a therapist to discuss problems involving the other partner, there is a chance that this could increase tension for a couple. Therapy may disrupt a committed relationship and sometimes may even lead to a break-up. For this reason, many relationship problems are best addressed with both individuals coming to therapy together. Under exceptional circumstances it may be helpful for one or both parties to attend individual sessions with the therapist to support the couples work.
Finally, not all therapy is effective. If you have been in therapy for several weeks or months, and it does not feel like you are making progress, you should speak to your therapist. It may be that you would do better with a different approach to therapy, or even with a different therapist. As therapists, we know that we cannot be everything to everybody, and we are comfortable helping you make a change if needed. If you wish for another professional’s opinion at any time, or wish to talk with another therapist, we will help you find a qualified person and will provide him or her with the information needed.
As a client with PEACE Psychotherapy, your information will be kept private and confidential. There are limitations to confidentiality. Your therapist is required, by law, to disclose information about me without my consent if:
The office is close to all three subway lines: Museum Station (2 minute walk), Wellesley Station (9 minute walk) and Bay Station (9 minute walk). Street and lot parking available.