Psychotherapy has done more harm than good

Psychotherapy has done more harm than good

17 Jun 2009

The panel discuss the theory that psychotherapy has done more harm than good.

Arguing in favour of the proposal are Theodore Dalrymple, Dorothy Rowe and Jeffrey Masson. Theodore Dalrymple begins by arguing that the negative cultural effect of psychotherapy outweighs any potential good done to individual patients. He believes it elevates feelings over objective evidence, and treats human life as a technical problem to be solved - standing in the way of human happiness. Dorothy Rowe states that therapy can help, on very rare occasions; however, nobody really knows how this occurs. Whilst therapists must take account of everything in a person’s life, any therapy that is unable to do this causes harm. Finally, Jeffrey Masson states that the prejudices of the therapist affect the participants; however, participants cannot know the background of the therapist. Therapists' abilities are also deeply limited as no one is an expert when it comes to sorrow, happiness, or love.

Arguing against the proposal are Andrew Samuels, Lorna Martin and Professor Lord Layard. Andrew Samuels begins by arguing that psychotherapy does not create a victim mentality - in fact, it has the opposite effect. He states that growth and risk are connected, while anti-psychotherapy belief comes from upper middle-class repression. Lorna Martin believes that psychotherapy is not a cure for the human condition, but it helps you understand what your “default position” is. She rejects the notion that it has caused the human condition to become medicalised - this has occurred from outside influences. Professor Lord Layard states that therapy is exactly the same as medicine – meaning there are good and bad practitioners. He believes that Cognitive Behaviour Therapy saves lives, and strongly supports the increased role of mental health services offered through the NHS.

First vote: 167 For, 304 Against, 195 Don't Know

Final vote: 204 For, 421 Against, 35 Don't Know

Motion defeated by 217 votes.

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