What are the pros and cons of therapy?

Question

I suffer from depression and anxiety.

I know I should see a therapist as my depression is getting worse, but I'm terrified of being misdiagnosed.

Sometimes I think I have Bpd, other times I think I have complex PTSD. Or even both.

The more I look into therapy the more I learn about how easy it is to be misdiagnosed. Then you're stuck with that label all your life and you don't receive the right therapy or treatment because of the incorrect diagnosis.

EzraIsShy76028 · Accepted Answer

One of the biggest pros... the RIGHT therapist can really teach you ways to improve your life by a lot and help you cope. It's a VERY long, painful, and gradual process, but as long as you're honest with your therapist, do everything they say, discuss things with them, tell them what advice they gave you is working and what isn't, etc, you should start to see at least SOME progress.

But one of the biggest cons... the WRONG therapist can definitely fuck you up and make you even worse than what you started off. The type of therapist who's just doing it for the money and doesn't actually care about their patients, the type of therapist who is just simply dumb/incompetent at their job, etc.

I myself should know as I've had 12th therapists, currently on my 12th.

Some were great, others were terrible, and most of them were just average, lol.

I had 3 especially bad therapists. One of them was actually my FIRST one. She basically just sent me to the mental hospital instead of actually trying anything, and the mental hospital made me even worse. Then another one, he was literally on his phone during the session not even paying attention, talking to his mom, etc. And another one, literally didn't even let me finish my sentences or ask questions.

But some of the great ones. One of them used Pokemon as an example to guide me through certain aspects of therapy, as she knew I liked Pokemon. Another one used great analogies and metaphors, such as thinking how much I tell people as introducing them to different parts of my house. And another one who helped me find a psychiatrist to help me out as well.

So you see, therapy is very complex and nuanced.

aaron13547 · Accepted Answer

I don't think there are cons to therapy. Just because a doctor diagnoses you with something doesn't make it ture... that's their professional opinion of you. A Doctor is not a therapist. A therapist is just someone who's opinions are "helpful" to our mind. If a therapist tells you things that you try and do and it doesn't work just try something else. Labels are self imposed limits, and I believe the mind has no limits. There is no limit to how depressed or anxious you can become only what you allow yourself to feel. You are separate from your emotions, become the awareness that feels these emotions and pick and choose how you react to these emotions. Example; When you feel sad don't let it make you sit still and become more sad, know it means you need to get up and do something that makes you happy. If Therapy is talking out problems with others, your already doing that and in my opinion already starting your therapy. Think to yourself after all this what you want to take away from the answers your receive. Will you remember the positive responses or the negative ones? That will shape your own view of therapy. Next time you feel fear or anxiety, transform it into focus and the knowledge your going to put more effort into what your doing then someone not anxious. Emotions aren't meant to be resisted, they are meant to be accepted and transformed.

DishLady · Accepted Answer

"Therapy" is a con. You're lining someone else's pocket with your nonsensical drivel bc you feel that your every thought needs to be heard by someone. Hmm. It's your wallet.

Psychiatric care used to be limited to services for those who needed neuropsychological care and treatment. THAT is a legit practice to this day.

Mediated counseling is also an important service to help with relationships and family dynamics when there are DEEP issues to address. However this has also been abused by countless systems, including the Family Court system, to the point that it's all become a terrible con game to drain the middle class/working class of their already-limited funds.

Simslover92 · Accepted Answer

I suffer from depression and anxiety as well and therapy is great for getting down to the root of what is causing the depression and anxiety but I would highly suggest also seeking out a psychiatrist to properly diagnose you and possibly put you on some medication to help the depression and anxiety.

I take meds and it's done wonders for me. I am way more balanced than what I was back in 2021. Each year gets a bit better than the last.

Seek out a good therapist that fits who you are as a person and seek out a good psychiatrist that can give you an accurate diagnosis.

Levin · Answer

That's actually a very complex question.

It looks like you're looking at a medicalised route ie diagnoses.

There are holistic therapies such as Person Centred Therapy, which look at the whole person with empathy, rather than sticking labels on them. I know the Person Centred model is not as popular in the US though, from which I'm presuming you hail.

I mean, I've trained with a number of therapists, and know some in real life. And tbh, some of them I would certainly not get therapy from...

You can do a little due diligence by getting a sense of them from how they advertise themselves. Do they try and allay your fears and set you at ease, orientate themselves towards you, or are they just clinical? Also, I know it's kind of anethema but many will have pictures and videos. I know in modern society you're not supposed to judge by appearance, which is true, but I do think you can get a sense from someone by how kindly they generally are. Trust your guy feelings and those which imbue a sense of warmth.

Maybe_Maybe_not · Answer

The thing is therapy is not a single entity, and what is therapy depends on which country you live in. In my country, and I'm answering only for my country:

Bipolar disorder and PTSD, when applicable, will be only diagnosed by psychiatrists.

Psychiatrists are specialized doctors, they can offer non medication based therapy, but that is not their primary function. It depends on each psychiatrist, on training they chose to have, some focus only on physiology, medication, some have a double focus on physiology and psychology. They are free of charge, entirely covered by social insurance.

Psychologists are licensed therapists, they received training in national academies of psychology, they cannot perform any disease based diagnosis because they are not doctors. They are here for the psychological aspect only. They are not free of charge, on average they'll cost you 60€ for each session. It is common for patients, at the beginning of a therapy, to invest 240€ per month. Which represents about 1/5 of a full time minimum wage.

Chazmatazz269 · Answer

As far as i’m concerned, there are no pros. It’s a far too loosely regulated industry, especially considering the unbelievable costs associated with treatment. There’s no real confidentiality with therapists and counselors, nothing legally binding. You might as well be confessing to some random stranger on the street, with a bullhorn. There is supposed to be confidentiality with licensed psychologists, but it’s on the honor system. They can tell anyone and everyone your deepest, darkest secrets and you have to be able to afford a better lawyer than them to get any justice. The entire craft is purely charlatan, as far as i’m concerned.
If you need therapy, get a dog. You can tell them anything and everything. They will always love you. They will never judge you. And they will take your confidences to the grave.

lightbulb27 · Answer

Our system is really mediocre, many "don't get it'... and you have to try a few to find one that can quickly assess and then help you navigate to a better place so you can do the work on your own... so doesn't cost a fortune.

What is the work? Locating the traumas that are impacting your "heart" and working on healing and releasing those energies so you can live out of good emotions rather than negativity from the past and fear of the future.

The best therapist you have is the all mighty God Jesus Christ. Start there. If you think you might have PTSD... then you probably do have it. I don't care about the label. What's important is finding the sources of hurt and resolving them using love and freedom. There are many tools out there, you start researching and finding what clicks with you. Meditation, prayer, group therapy.

It is a process of discovery and healing...

Purpleronnie · Answer

To some extent , being a person that’s been through therapy and diagnosis , I can empathize with your position but you’re in no way stuck with a label your whole life , that’s just ridiculous. Being diagnosed as to your present state of mind isn’t really that much different from the doc telling you that you have a cold , then your are treated and you get better.

From your description, my informed but humble opinion tells me that you’re at least anxious so take the first step and start talking to a professional. The cons of not doing so are far far far far greater !!!

Zylos · Answer

I don't think you're stuck with that label, you can always ask to get reevaluated. Anyway, psychiatric diagnoses are scientifically sketchy...

The cons of therapy are if you get into the habit of venting and complaining, and looking in the rear view mirror, which is not ultimately helpful in life.

Or if you are put on psychiatric medicine that gives you permanent brain damage or shortens your life expectancy. Important to do your research before you accept psychiatric medication.

The pros are if you find someone who can give you fresh eyes on life, a different perspective, and help you solve your problems.

Pearl222 · Answer

Pros- you understand yourself and your patterns better. Most of the times, self improvement books and journals will only take you so far, but sometimes it takes a professional to help you get to the root cause and solve the issue. Not to say self regulation isn’t important, but therapy can help you effectively understand and manage your emotions better.

Cons- it is expensive and it takes some research to find a truly good therapist.

Anonymous · Answer

Finding a therapist you relate to is most important. Therapy requires letting down walls and exposing intimate feelings. If you do not feel safe this process does not happen and the doctor cannot help you. You must find a doctor you trust and that can be very difficult.

Ariesman81 · Answer

I'll save you thousands. You're depressed because you dwell on the past and anxious because you worry about the future. What you need is forgiveness and faith. That'll be $100. DM me for my venmo.

CupcakeTheDestroyer · Answer

If you’re concerned about being diagnosed, don’t be. Therapists can’t officially diagnose you, psychologists can because they’re able to medically treat it. Therapy is all about talking.

LiamJHayden · Answer

Pros: a good therapist will be a safe, impartial person who will listen and give unbiased advice on how to deal with any issues.

Cons: not all therapists are good. and the costs if insurance does not cover the therapy can be budget-busting for many.

Cormac995 · Answer

The only two real cons you have to therapy are if you get a bad one or if you don't put in the work.

msc545 · Answer

The diagnosis is simply a of collecting money from insurance companies and a way of making the legally required past that doesn't mean much. You are worrying about the wrong thing. If you have depression and anxiety then you do and a good therapist can treat that very effectively. The diagnosis is meaningless at this point.

noohair · Answer

I believe in therapy from a psychiatrist. Or at least a psychiatrist to do a though diagnosis. You suffering should not keep you from getting help. A misdiagnosis does happen, but no professional help will have you suffering for the rest of your life. Finding the right med combo will make therapy work better for you. Reach out to me with any questions and good luck.

Blackcat1952 · Answer

I don't think that b******* works. I really don't. I would love to see the paperwork cases that does , how can anyone fix it how?
You have to be the only one that can fix it. No one else can.
You gotta fix it deal with it or medicated it 🤷 or find a balance that works 💪 BUT NO ONE CAN FIX IT , BUT YOU SAVE YOUR MONEY. I don't understand how therapy is still a bullshit job

RavVid · Answer

Yeah you have to get the right one for you. I was likely and it helped with PSTD.

Nikki1989 · Answer

Finding a good therapist has no cons. Nevertheless, it will be a significant waste of time to locate an average or subpar option.

Anonymous · Answer

I’m not a huge believer in therapy and I went for 3 years I was already working on self improvement and it seemed like the next evolution. More or less it was a sounding board to get validation for thoughts and feelings.
Definitely helped me communicate those thoughts and feelings since I had only had those conversations with my self for my entire life. If I had a close friend or someone I could trust to be non-biased than that would be a great option.

Pterodon · Answer

The pros is it does work but that’s totally dependent upon how honest you are. The cons are sometimes you come out feeling beat up. They can say things that hit like a lightning bolt

slatyb · Answer

Label? Who's going to label you? I think you should find a psychiatrist -- they can prescribe medication. Therapists cannot. Likely you'll have to try a few medications to find one that works for you.

HawkPerception · Answer

Just use ChatGPT. It's free. Science has proven it outperforms actual therapists and rated higher in emotional intelligence as well.

Anonymous · Answer

I prefer energy healers and hypnotists. I saw one earlier. I have seen about 15+ sessions of them both and plan on more.

Jmmmfi4 · Answer

It helps if you work at it  Journaling helps me

DrPepper12 · Answer

Labels are meaningless. Therapy is all pro & no con. Find the right therapist please.

In_Trance · Answer

How many times have you been diagnosed? Secondly how many diagnosis does it take for someone to get tired of being missed diagnosed?

BeachBreak420 · Answer

Pros get stuff off of your chest. Con finding the right therapist.

irfaan7733 · Answer

Prayer and meditation helps a lot! Private message me.

Kingofkings1992 · Answer

There are no pros, only cons. Try alcohol. It’s much cheaper and more effective

Anna123jj · Answer

Too judgmental

Anonymous · Answer

I know how you feel, me too.

MeAndYouRightHere · Answer

It shouldn't have -

cavedweller1973 · Answer

You just have to find one you feel you can trust

Anonymous · Answer

NO CONS WHATSOEVER!!!

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