In 1995, Consumer Reports magazine conducted the largest survey ever done to find out if therapy works. They
surveyed over 4,000 people who had sought help for psychological problems from a mental-health provider, or a
family doctor, or had joined a self-help group. The survey is the largest ever done to query people about the
treatment they received for emotional or mental distress. According to Consumer Reports, "The majority were
highly satisfied with the care they received; almost all said life had become more manageable."
Among the findings:
- The longer people stayed in therapy, the more they improved.
- People who started out feeling the worst reported the most progress.
- Almost three-quarters of those seeking professional help went to a mental-health specialist.
- Readers who sought help from their family doctor tended to do well. But people who saw a mental-health
specialist for more than six months did much better.
- People were just as satisfied and reported similar progress whether they saw a social worker, psychologist, or
psychiatrist.
- Most people who went to a self-help group were very satisfied with the experience and said they got better.
People were especially grateful to Alcoholics Anonymous.
- 44% of people whose emotional state was 'very poor' at the start of treatment said they now feel good.
Another 43% who started out 'very poor' also improved significantly, though somewhat less.
- People who received only psychotherapy improved as much as those who got psychotherapy combined with
medication, like Prozac or Xanax. Most people who took such drugs felt they were helpful, but almost half
reported side effects.
Many more surveys and studies have been conducted over the years that verify psychotherapy from a trained
professional helps reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. We see this in our clients every day. It is our
hope for you that if you are suffering from anxiety, depression, substance abuse, or other mental and emotional
symptoms, that you will seek help and begin to feel the relief that psychotherapy can bring you.
Counseling is a safe haven that allows you the
opportunity to change through growth in mind, body
and spirit. Together we will discover new ways of
thinking and acting that will give you relief, enhance
your life, and allow you to live fully.
Our practice is dedicated to helping individuals and
families find peace in the midst of life's difficulties. It is
our belief that the wisdom resides within everyone to
meet life's challenges. Our role is to guide you and
your family and to offer you new tools, skills, and
solutions to live fully and joyfully.
opportunity to change through growth in mind, body
and spirit. Together we will discover new ways of
thinking and acting that will give you relief, enhance
your life, and allow you to live fully.
Our practice is dedicated to helping individuals and
families find peace in the midst of life's difficulties. It is
our belief that the wisdom resides within everyone to
meet life's challenges. Our role is to guide you and
your family and to offer you new tools, skills, and
solutions to live fully and joyfully.
Counseling Works
The BCA Experience
Recording Artist: Bradford Smith
| B |
| C |
| A |
| Georgia O'Keefe |
