Psychotherapy: Is It Harmful?
Psychotherapy is a common form of mental health treatment that has been around for many decades. It is used to treat a variety of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many people believe that psychotherapy is a safe and effective way to treat mental health issues.
However, recent research has found that psychotherapy can actually be harmful for some people. It is estimated that around 10 per cent of people who undergo psychotherapy actually experience worse mental health than before they began treatment.
What Causes Harmful Effects of Psychotherapy?
There are a number of factors that can lead to harmful effects from psychotherapy. These include:
- The type of therapy being used. Some therapies are more likely to cause harm than others. For example, some forms of “talk therapy” can be emotionally intense and may not be suitable for some people.
- The therapist’s experience and training. Therapists who are not experienced or trained in the type of therapy they are providing may be more likely to cause harm to their clients.
- The client’s mental state. People who are in a fragile mental state may be more vulnerable to the potential harm caused by psychotherapy.
- The length of treatment. Longer courses of therapy may be more likely to cause harm than shorter courses.
- The type of relationship between the therapist and the client. Therapists who are overly authoritarian or who have a poor rapport with their clients may be more likely to cause harm.
How Can Harmful Effects of Psychotherapy Be Avoided?
Although there is a chance that psychotherapy can cause harm, there are ways to reduce the risk. It is important for people considering psychotherapy to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to minimize them.
- Make sure the therapist is experienced and qualified in the type of therapy they are providing.
- Ensure that the therapist has a good rapport with the client.
- Keep the length of treatment to a minimum.
- Be honest with the therapist about any concerns or worries.
- Be aware of any changes in mood or behaviour that may indicate the therapy is having a negative effect.
Conclusion
Psychotherapy can be a helpful tool for treating mental health issues. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with psychotherapy and take steps to minimize them. With the right therapist and the right approach, psychotherapy can be a safe and effective way to improve mental health.
