Kevlar For The Mind: Therapy success may hinge on expectations - Off Duty, Military Health and Fitness - Air Force Times

Kevlar For The Mind: Therapy success may hinge on expectations

Q. I sought help for depression last year after my wife left me during my deployment. I spent several months in therapy and never saw any improvement. I finally got better over time. Does therapy really work?

A. It pains me to say this as a psychologist, but therapy — also referred to as counseling or psychotherapy — does not work for everyone. So, why does it work for some and not others?

Expectations play a major role in how well someone does in the shrink’s office. If you enter therapy thinking it will simply “cure” all of your psychological ills — or that only weaklings go to mental health — you are less likely to get a positive outcome.

Finding the right therapist is like buying a new car: You have to do some research on what style fits your personality and then take it for a test drive.

Therapists come in all shapes, sizes and, most importantly, theoretical orientations. So, how do you find out the theoretical orientation of a therapist?

If you tend to respond well to clear direction and guidance, you may want to see someone who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy. If you’re more of the introspective and curious type, consulting a therapist of the psychodynamic persuasion may be a good choice.

The type of psychological issues you have also affect how well you may respond to therapy. For example, therapy by itself is very effective for mild to moderate depression, panic attacks and phobias. A combination of therapy and medication is more effective for severe depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis.

As far as post-traumatic stress disorder, it depends on whom you ask. In my professional opinion, therapy alone is often all that is needed. However, in cases of extreme agitation and sleep problems, a combined approach may be needed.

Therapy is a highly effective treatment for a range of psychological problems and people. But it’s not a magic bullet. Neither is medication. The most important thing to keep in mind is that seeking help is the first step. With patience, persistence and hard work, almost anyone can make therapy work.

For more information on therapy and the different types of therapy, visit www.apa.org/topics/therapy.

Bret A. Moore is a clinical psychologist who served two tours in Iraq and is the author of “Wheels Down: Adjusting to Life after Deployment.” Email kevlarforthemind@militarytimes.com. Names and identifying details will be kept confidential. This column is for informational purposes only. Readers should see a mental health professional or physician for mental health problems.