Three Predictors of Therapeutic Success

Over the years I’ve noticed you can predict therapeutic success pretty consistently with three indicators. If you’re interested in therapy you may benefit from exploring these predictors.

1. Identification:

This one may seem obvious, but many people find themselves struggling in life and aren’t aware how their own actions contribute to their struggles. If you can identify your behavioral or emotional needs you will kickstart your healing process.

However, identification does not mean you fully understand. It’s okay to say, “I need to look at the issues I have with my father.” Clearer identification will emerge through therapeutic exploration.

When working with adolescents, identification usually comes from the parent’s perspective. “David needs to learn to control his anger” or “Jessica has been acting depressed.” Success is highly likely if the adolescent aligns with their parent’s identification.

2. Motivation:

Identification will encourage you to set up the first therapy appointment, but you still may find it difficult to stay motivated during rigorous exploration of your underlying issues. Exploring your psyche is not an easy task, but if you maintain your motivation you’ll find its a worthy endeavor.

3. Support:

Whether it’s family or friends, having support between sessions is vital. Even if your supporter isn’t attending therapy with you. In fact, they may not even know you’re in therapy. The hardest work of therapy comes between sessions. That’s when the real change occurs. Drinking coffee, sitting on a couch and talking to me isn’t difficult.1 But changing is. Make sure to surround yourself with your supporters.2

Therapy is work, but it’s worth the effort. If you’re entering therapy prepare by asking the following questions based on the three indicators:3

  1. What are the important issues to explore?
  2. Are you motivated and ready to change?
  3. Who’s your support system?

  1. Although that might depend on who you ask… ↩

  2. If you have good family and good friends they’ll adapt to the changes you’re making. This is when you’ll identify your true supporters. Hang on to these people. They’re supportive of who you once were, who you currently are, and who you aspire to become. ↩

  3. If you struggle with this exercise it doesn’t mean you will be unsuccessful in therapy. But keeping these in mind will give you a head start towards your goals. ↩

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