Psychotherapy Can Boost Happiness More Than Money: Study

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I was glad to see recognition of the role emotional health plays in overall helath and happiness. While some people may have an underlying depression that requires appropriate medication, many people have issues that medicine (alone) cannot improve. Recognizing the unhealthy beliefs and expectations we may have learned, and changing habits that are self-defeating can free an individual to live life more fully. If you come from a dysfunctional family setting, you may tend to seek out people with similar beliefs and behaviors that only reinfoce these unhealthy patterns. Psychotherapy can proved an opportunity to learn healthier viewpoints in a supportive setting where the focus is on the client's well being. Yes, I am a therapist, who primarily works with victims of abuse and domestic violence. I have seen the pain of people who have never had a chance to work through childhood abuse and carry the emotional scars into late adulthood. I feel blessed to be able to watch people heal from horrendous traumas, and to make a better life for themselves and their children. This is the only way to stop the cycle of abuse!

Lisa T. Smith of AL 12:33PM December 02, 2009

Puhleeese! This study, like so many others is a self serving "infomercial for Freudian shrinks trying to drum up more business.
Diagnosed with Double Depression due to a severe childhood illness, I saw 5 psychiatrists over a period of 15 years. Not one of them made a difference in my illness or qualityu of life. But they sure charged me a lot of money!
My only relief came when SSRI's hit the market. Before that a combination of therapy and trycyclic meds were getting me nowhere. Now that is when my business career took off. My income tripled then doubled again in the 1990's as the drugs became more targeted. And they were a hell of a lot cheaper than paying $200/hr to be asked "how do you feel about your father?"
After searching for years I found a doctor (Psychiatrist) who feels the same way I do. The only path out is to stabilize your condition with medications and then develop a program for practical measures to improve your life.
Mine is a life sentence. There is no cure for what I have. But I have been able to overcome my disorder to the extent that people are surprised when they find out I have it. I refuse to let it hold me back and when my monthly or bi monthly major depressive episode hits I just wait it out, doing what I can and then hit it hard when its over with.
For this I need a real medical therapy. My illness has a physical cause and I can't afford to spend 20 years in psycho therapy hoping for a way out. I look at it like diabetis. Psychotropic drugs and lifestyle changes are the answer not digging into my relationship with my mother.
JLK

JLK of OR 12:41AM December 02, 2009

Fascinating study and article, many thanks!
Psychological therapy can increase happiness when it focuses on eliminating blocks to our happiness, joy and fulfillment. Focused psychotherapy can be very powerful.
The key is what kind of psychotherapy and how it is directed.
We, of course, suggest people decide to embrace and enjoy skills and qualities that are characteristic of happy thought which we call happiness habits.
When people decide to adopt and employ the values, beliefs, habits, ideals and boundaries that are known to bring happiness, they too can be happy or happier despite what is happening to then or around them.
A great deal of research, especially with large Lottery winners, shows a remarkable human ability to adjust and adapt to new circumstances without significant changes in overall happiness.
Wealth eliminates some major worries: Food, shelter, health care and social acceptance but research shows it does not necessarily bring happiness.
Happiness Habits do bring happiness!
Michele Moore
HappinessBlog.com
HappinessHabit.com

Michele Moore of GA 6:53PM November 30, 2009

Gone are the days of psychoanalysis for rich people 4 times a week for years and years. Most modern psychotherapy is relatively short-term and certain styles have been shown to be as effective as medication for certain diagnoses. Look up your local mental health counselor or marriage and family therapist (called LMHC's or LMFT's in New York)and don't be afraid to ask them for a clear treatment plan with goals and objectives of your progress.

NYCTherapist of NY 3:15PM November 30, 2009

Researchers have also found activities that can help you become happier without going to a therapist. This video shows some examples:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUnQg-K-RIw

Jill of CA 10:54PM November 29, 2009