Hugh Greene is right that psychotherapy is “increasingly central to our culture” (So you want to try psychotherapy. But what does it actually do?, November 2). However, in my own experience as a clinical psychologist, most people referred to secondary mental health services are genuinely desperate, rather than simply contemplating “somehow getting stuck” like Sam, the example therapy patient in Green's article. In my experience, they don't really care what the therapy is called, as long as someone can help them.
In describing the various ways in which psychological therapy can be practiced, Greene focuses entirely on the individual, their internal processes, and the one-on-one situation in the therapy room. But there are much more powerful factors influencing people outside the therapy room – the social and material circumstances of their lives. If someone is upset and wondering what is wrong with them, they may well do better if they start looking at what is going on in their life that is contributing to their distress.
Instead of being confused by the huge variety of approaches offered, Midlands Psychology Groupof which I am a member encourages people to develop prudence. This can be done with the help of a professional, but the person who buys it may want to ask themselves what needs to change so that they can live a better life. And this change may not be something within themselves.
Dr. Penny Priest
Ludlow, Shropshire
