The short answer is… Yes, but this needs to be qualified. Careful researchhas shown that therapy can help a person overcome significant issues, can reduce and even eliminate symptoms of depression and anxiety, can improve one’s relationships, sense of self, and even work performance, creativity, and motivation. However, psychotherapy is not magic. Therapy does not cure all woes and will not lead to a trouble free and perpetually happy life.

The success of therapy will depend on all the factors involved i.e. the fit between the client and the therapist, the client’s motivation, dedication, and openness, the therapist’s experience, and skill, and external factors such as time, resources, and support. Other important factors include your wish for self-understanding, a willingness to tolerate uncertainty, and your readiness to consider different points of view.

1: Roth, A. & Fonagy, R. (2004). What Works for Whom? 2nd Edition. Guilford Press.