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As with any powerful treatment, there are some
risks as well as many benefits with therapy. You should think
about both the benefits and risks when making any treatment
decisions. For example, in therapy, there is a risk clients
will have for a time uncomfortable levels of sadness, guilt,
anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness, helplessness, or other
negative feelings. Clients may recall unpleasant memories.
These feelings or memories may bother a client at work or in
school. Some people in your community may mistakenly view anyone
in therapy as weak, or perhaps as seriously disturbed or even
dangerous. Also, clients in therapy may have problems with
people important to them. Family secrets may be told. Sometimes,
too, a client's problems may temporarily worsen after the beginning
of treatment. Most of these risks are to be expected when people
are making any important changes in their lives. Finally, even
with our best efforts, there is a risk that therapy may not
work out well for you.
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While you consider these risks, you should know
also that the benefits of therapy have been shown by scientists
in the research studies. People who are depressed may find
their mood lifting. Others may no longer feel afraid, angry,
or anxious. In therapy, people have a chance to talk things
out fully until their feelings are relieved or the problems
are solved. Clients' relationships and coping skills may improve
greatly. They may get more satisfaction out of social and family
relationships. Their personal goals and values may become clearer.
They may grow in many directions—as persons, in their
close relationships, in their work or schooling, and in the
ability to enjoy their lives. I do not take on clients I do
not think I can help. Therefore, I will enter our relationship
with optimism about our progress.
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