If you’re considering beginning therapy, you may be wondering: what makes therapy actually effective? Well, good question! Throughout this post, we’ll explore two main factors that contribute to the positive effects of therapy: evidence-based therapeutic modalities (the approaches/techniques that are used) and the therapeutic relationship (the connection between the therapist and the client).
What are therapeutic modalities?
If you browse through our other blog posts, you’ll find information about different therapeutic modalities such as DBT (dialectical behavior therapy), NET (narrative exposure therapy), and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) just to name a few.
There are a lot of therapeutic modalities that therapists can draw from that are backed by a significant base of evidence- meaning they have demonstrated in several studies over time that they improve specific symptoms that clients are experiencing. Different therapeutic modalities have shown to be evidence-based for different presenting problems, which makes this particular point an important factor to consider when wondering what it is that makes therapy actually work.
What is the therapeutic relationship?
However, specific techniques alone are not enough. Several other factors including readiness for change, external circumstances, and the quality of the therapeutic relationship significantly contribute to the success of therapy.
So what is the therapeutic relationship and why is it so important for it to be present for therapy to actually work?
The therapeutic relationship can be condensed into the following description: the bond between the therapist and client which is built upon trust, respect, collaboration, and empathy. Research has consistently shown that clients who have a positive therapeutic relationship with their therapists tend to experience better outcomes, regardless of the specific modality being used (Horvath & Bedi, 2002; Wampold, 2001). As Carl Rogers, the founder of person-centered therapy, argued, “For a person to change, they must first feel accepted, understood, and valued” (Rogers, 1957).
So what does this mean for you? If you’re considering taking the next step and beginning therapy, it’s important to find a therapist that specializes in therapeutic interventions that align with what you’re wanting to work on AND is someone that you can grow in comfortability with throughout the process.
For more information about choosing a therapist, feel free to check out the following blog on our page: https://seaglassmentalhealth.com/finding-the-right-therapist/
Meet The Author
MAEYSON NOVELO
MS, LAC
Meet The Author
Maeyson is a Clinical Therapist at Sea Glass Mental Health. She works with adults, teens, and couples and specializes in anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, life changes, and coping skills.
