Surveys show that the two primary barriers to seeking the help of a therapist are: (1) cost of the service (cited by 81%); and (2) lack of confidence in the outcome of therapy (78%).  Of these two barriers, the first is entirely understandable.  Times are tough and treatment costs money.

The second barrier is more troubling and, frankly, difficult to understand and address.  Research overwhelmingly supports the efficacy of psychological treatment.  Indeed, the American Psychological Association issued a rare, formal resolution this last month recognizing the effectiveness of psychotherapy!  Consider the language:

• Whereas the effects of psychotherapy …are widely accepted to be significant and large;
• Whereas the results of psychotherapy tend to last long and be less liely to equire additional treatment courses than psychopharmacological treatments;
• Whereas comparisons of different forms of psychotherapy most often result in relatively nonsignificant difference, and contextual and relationship factors (not captured by a patient’s diagnosis or by the therapists use of a specific psychotherapy) mediate or moderate outcomes;
• Whereas the best research evidence conclusively shows that individual, group, and couple/family psychotherapy are effective for a broad range of…problems with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults;
• THEREFORE be it resolved that, as a healing practice and professional service, psychotherapy is effective and highly cost effective…and should be included in the health care system as an established evidence-based practice.

Strong words, right?  Even so, it’s very clear that the public’s lingering doubts about effectiveness will require more than a proclamation.  Could feedback help?  Check out this document contain a near comprehensive list of the studies documenting the positive impact of therapists formally soliciting feedback from clients.  Free evidence-based tools are available for download from this website for soliciting formal feedback from consumers.