“Can psychotherapy harm me?”

Anything that we do that is beneficial to us is not without some risk. Therapy can be harmful because you are bringing up instances in your life that are less than ideal and talking about them. This could mean (and usually does) that things can get worse before they get better. It is also possible that the professional that you are working with is not the best choice, or does not have experience with your set of issues, and will not tell you

In general you do not have to be concerned about psychotherapy being harmful. The best ways to assure that it is appropriate is to work with a specific psychotherapist is to find someone who is a licensed therapist, such as a PhD psychologist, or LMFT, LCSW - with all being licensed and given your concern, one with some experience will be very helpful. Often your family doctor may be able to refer you to a licensed experienced therapist, or perhaps through a community counseling center referal. It is important to look at why you feel it might be harmful for you. Talking with your family doctor about this concern would be appropriate. Proud of you for checking into these feelings and wishing you much success with this effort.

Diane Bridgeman, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Past president and current chair of MBPA's Social Justice/diversity committee
Past chair of APA’s ACCA committee
(831) 420-1109
dianebridgeman@mac.com

It is important to work with a professional, qualified, licensed therapist who is trained to treat depression. A qualified therapist will be familiar with the evidence-based treatments for depression. This is the best way for you to get help. If you were to say that you suffer from migraine headaches and inquire whether “medication” can harm you, it depends! If you take the wrong medication or too much of the right medication, or a medication that doesn’t work well with your body in particular, then yes, of course it can harm you. But if you work with a licensed doctor trained to treat migraines, you’re probably in good hands.

I would say that generally, psychotherapy is unlikely to harm you. However, there are some amazing therapists out there, then there are mostly mediocre ones, and then there are some really bad therapists too. So, it pays to get a personal referral from a friend or physician. Also, you can look at psychology today.com and get information about areas of speciality, education, and what sort of insurance a particular therapist takes.

Psychotherapy could be as effective as medication management in the treatment of depression. It is imperative to choose correct subtype of psychotherapy ( CBT, where are you?psychodynamic, emdr, DBT etc)

No, therapy is helpful for depression

It will heal you when you work with the right therapist (the right therapist is the one you feel that he/she is the right one for you)

There are several approaches to psychotherapy including cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and other kinds of talk therapy that help.