To think advising someone to get therapy isn't the magical solution to everything?

[JamesMiddletonsMarshmallows]

I am a CSA survivor and I had therapy as an adult, which was a totally pointless waste of time. Nothing wrong with my therapist, she was lovely, it just wouldn't have worked with anybody, it just really didn't suit me or the kind or person I am. I have dealt with my trauma in other ways and it doesn't affect my day to day life.

I'm really quite sick of advice for every other problem being "you need to get therapy" as if it's some magical cure for everything wrong within a person. Not to mention, it's hard as fuck to access - it's a postcode lottery on wether it's even available on the NHS (and when it is there's usually a waiting list) and private therapy is around £45 per hour where I live. And with an ever worsening MH crisis in this country, many people simply cannot afford to wait months and months to access therapy before they completely break down, they need help now, and it isn't always in the form of someone asking "and how do you feel about that?"

I think "access therapy" is a bit of ill thought advice and so I am imploring everyone to think a little harder before thinking this is a great suggestion.

Hi, Clinical Psychologist here, totally agree that therapy is not a magical solution and nor is it for everyone!

I really do think that as a profession we need to work harder to manage expectations around what therapy can and can't do. We should also be highlighting the fact that, as with any treatment or intervention, there are potential risks as well as potential benefits. No one should be left feeling like they're doing it wrong if therapy doesn't help them. I often wonder whether there are more things we could be doing as a society to provide support and safe spaces to people who are having a hard time for whatever reason rather than saying they "need therapy"!

As OP says, there are other ways to manage trauma and emotional distress aside from therapy and for some people this is the best way forwards. So thanks for raising this!

*Hi, Clinical Psychologist here, totally agree that therapy is not a magical solution and nor is it for everyone!

I really do think that as a profession we need to work harder to manage expectations around what therapy can and can't do.*

Hello fellow clinical psychologist!
Totally agree - I always discuss client expectations of therapy and their goals very early on. It's important there's a shared understanding of what can and cannot be achieved, and of the need for collaboration between client and therapist to avoid the misconception that therapy is something that is passively "done to" a person (which I don't think is helpful for either client or therapist!)

Therapy isn't the magical solution for all problems but it can provide a safe space for someone to talk about their issues. You won't know if it works until you try it but it might help to process issues. I've advised my friend to try it just to take the pressure off me. I am her emotional dumping ground and I can't take it any more but she won't seek help. I've now diverted her number to voicemail and respond when I'm ready.