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PsychotherapyPractice family17 styles

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a broad category of psychological care studied for mental health symptoms and everyday functioning. A broad body of research, including meta-analyses, supports an overall well-developed evidence base, but findings vary by outcome and condition; evidence for one use does not mean every approach works equally well or for every person.

Psychotherapy may help ease trauma symptoms and support mood.

131 studies on psychotherapy in general

Styles of psychotherapy

17 styles in our catalog. 1 written up from studies.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Free account

    ACT is a psychotherapy approach studied in connection with chronic pain and emotional health.

    Effort: Very low–high · Session: 15–150 min · Studies: 241 own

Not written up yet (16): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) · Couples Therapy · Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) · Existential Therapy · Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR) · Family Therapy · Gestalt Therapy · Group Therapy · Humanistic Therapy · Hypnotherapy · Internal Family Systems (IFS) · Interpersonal Therapy · Narrative Therapy · Professional Art Therapy · Psychodynamic Therapy · Somatic Experiencing

Psychotherapy in general

What studies of psychotherapy as a whole found. A single style may differ.

Overview

Psychotherapy is a broad category of psychological care studied for mental health symptoms and everyday functioning. A broad body of research, including meta-analyses, supports an overall well-developed evidence base, but findings vary by outcome and condition; evidence for one use does not mean every approach works equally well or for every person.

Well researched: 131 studies. Last checked Oct 12, 2026.

21
human evidence
20
eligible
12
unclassified
3
animal / null result

Best-evidenced uses

EvidenceStrong
131
Studies

Evidence checked Oct 12, 2026 · newest study 2026

Study designs:Meta-analysis51Systematic review20RCT48Quasi Experimental5Cohort study2Case series1Qualitative1Narrative review3
Study grades:
A
7
B
53
C
64
D
7

259 community reports across 5 platforms

View sources

Coverage

Effects
27
Helps with
29
Side effects
1
Interactions
7
How to read the evidence

Evidence tier — overall strength of the evidence for the whole compound

  • StrongWell established — backed by strong, consistent human research.
  • ModerateSome genuine support, but mostly from small or lower-quality studies. Promising, not proven.
  • PreliminaryEarly-stage evidence — a promising hypothesis, not an established effect yet.
  • LimitedVery limited evidence — treat this as a hypothesis, not proof.
  • InsufficientNot enough good evidence to draw conclusions yet.

Certainty — how sure we can be that the effect is real

  • Very highVery sure — strong, consistent evidence
  • HighFairly sure — consistent evidence from good studies
  • MediumModerately sure — new studies could change this
  • LowNot sure — little or mixed evidence
  • Very lowVery unsure — almost no usable evidence

Source — where the data comes from

  • Meta-analysisPooled analysis of many trials — the strongest evidence
  • RCTRandomized controlled trial — a strong human study design
  • ClinicalA human clinical study
  • Reference knowledgeFrom general health-science or pharmacology references, not a study of this exact claim
  • Animal researchStudied in animals, not humans
  • Community reportsAggregated user reports — anecdotal signal, not evidence
  • TheoreticalMechanism-based reasoning, not yet tested

Study grade — quality of each underlying study (A best, D weakest)

  • AHigh-quality — strong, consistent human trials
  • BGood — solid evidence with some limitations
  • CModerate — limited, small, or mixed-quality studies
  • DWeak — preliminary, indirect, or animal-only

Confidence — how strongly the sources back a finding

A 0–100 score from study quality and agreement

Most supplement evidence is graded C–D. Read it as preliminary signal, not proof.

These are research findings, not promises. A practice does not replace medical treatment.

What does research say?

What studies found for each claimed effect, best evidence first.

27 claims:11 some evidence2 mixed9 not enough evidence4 not tested in people1 no benefit found

  • Antidepressant EffectSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Small

    Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.

    46 of 52 studies found a benefit; 6 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials. Trials that found it ran as little as 0.3 weeks, typically 10.

    A pooled analysis of randomized trials found STPP effective compared with control conditions and antidepressant medication among 4,155 people in its antidepressant-effect analysis. Another pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found that psychological interventions reduced depression compared with controls among 2,037 people in its depression analysis.

    Open the Antidepressant Effect page
  • Anxiety ReductionSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Medium

    Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.

    32 of 34 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials. Trials that found it ran as little as 0.3 weeks, typically 9.

    A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found a moderate reduction in anxiety with psychological interventions among 1,997 people in its anxiety analysis. A separate pooled analysis of prenatal psychotherapies and psychosocial interventions also found reduced anxiety symptoms among 5,231 people in its anxiety analysis.

    Open the Anxiety Reduction page
  • Trauma Symptom ReductionSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large

    Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.

    4 of 5 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials. Trials that found it ran as little as 0.3 weeks, typically 8.

    Open the Trauma Symptom Reduction page
  • Mood ImprovementSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Small

    Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.

    27 of 29 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials. A trial found it after a single session. Trials that found it ran as little as 7 weeks, typically 10.

    Open the Mood Improvement page
  • Stress Resilience ImprovementSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Small

    Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.

    All 8 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials. Trials that found it ran as little as 4 weeks, typically 6.

    A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found a small reduction in stress with psychological interventions among 1,002 people in its stress analysis. Another pooled analysis reported that counseling therapy reduced depression, stress, and anxiety symptoms compared with usual care in pregnant women.

    Open the Stress Resilience Improvement page
  • Chronic Pain ReductionSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known

    Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.

    All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials. Trials that found it ran as little as 8 weeks, typically 14.

    Open the Chronic Pain Reduction page
  • Social Function ImprovementSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large

    Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.

    All 7 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials. Trials that found it ran as little as 10 weeks, typically 16.

    A meta-analysis pooling randomized and non-randomized human studies found improved social skills with DMP compared with controls among 93 people in its social-skills analysis.

    Open the Social Function Improvement page
  • Physical FunctionSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large

    Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.

    All 4 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial. Trials that found it ran as little as 12 weeks, typically 13.

    A systematic review reported increased physical functioning in both CBT and waiting-list groups among 3,382 people in its physical-function analysis. In a trial among people with generalized anxiety disorder, mean scores improved over time across all three domains, with the largest gains in the first three months; gains in physical functioning were more modest.

    Open the Physical Function page

What to expect

Trial timelines vary by outcome: depressive and anxiety symptom changes were found in programmes as short as 0.3 weeks, with typical programme lengths of 10 and 9 weeks, respectively; mood changes were measured after at least 7 weeks and typically 10 weeks. Stress resilience and social functioning were assessed in programmes typically lasting 6 and 16 weeks. Longer-term follow-up findings on persistence were mixed, while anxiety increase was reported in 8-week programmes.

Also studied in people with 29 health conditions

How strong the evidence is in each group. This is research, not a treatment recommendation.

  • Anxiety Disorder (General)Some evidence it helpsSize of effect: Medium

    Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.

    15 of 16 studies found a benefit; 1 found none.

    Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded reported benefit from virtual reality interventions in anxiety-related conditions. A separate pooled analysis also found benefit across several forms of psychotherapy, but included people with anxiety and other conditions.

    Open the Anxiety Disorder (General) page
  • Social Anxiety DisorderSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Medium

    Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.

    All 5 studies with a clear result found a benefit.

    Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found that psychotherapy reduced social anxiety severity and that STPP performed better than a waitlist but similarly to active treatments (g=-0.97 versus waitlist; g=0.01 versus active treatments). Gains with STPP were maintained at follow-up.

    Open the Social Anxiety Disorder page
  • Generalized Anxiety DisorderSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known

    Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.

    All 4 studies with a clear result found a benefit.

    Pooled randomized trials in adults with generalized anxiety disorder found reductions in anxiety with individual psychotherapy; sessions longer than 60 minutes were associated with larger effects. In a separate trial of 60 adults with DSM-5 generalized anxiety disorder, brief psychoanalytic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy both reduced anxiety scores more than a waitlist.

    Open the Generalized Anxiety Disorder page
  • Cancer (General)Some evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known

    Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.

    All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit.

    A pooled analysis of seven randomized trials found improved sexual function and sexual quality of life in women with gynecologic cancer or undergoing gynecologic surgery; certainty was rated low by GRADE. A separate review reported improvements in quality of life, self-esteem, spirituality, post-traumatic growth and social outcomes across adults with various cancer types and stages, but all included studies had high risk of bias.

    Open the Cancer (General) page
  • Autism Spectrum DisorderSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known

    Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.

    All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.

    Pooled randomized and non-randomized human studies found improvement in social skill-related outcomes in people with autism spectrum disorder (g = -0.97). The studies were heterogeneous; an uncontrolled study also reported pre-post improvement in autistic adults.

    Open the Autism Spectrum Disorder page
  • SchizophreniaSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known

    Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.

    All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.

    A trial in 130 outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder found better psychosocial functioning with MPP-S plus usual care than with usual care alone. A separate pooled analysis reported reductions in schizophrenia symptoms and improved psychosocial functioning.

    Open the Schizophrenia page
  • Female InfertilitySome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known

    Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.

    All 4 studies with a clear result found a benefit.

    A randomized trial in 120 couples with primary infertility after a failed assisted reproductive technique found improved negative sexual self-concept in both women and men receiving the intervention. A review also reported improvements in depressive symptoms, hopelessness and self-esteem after group psychodrama; anxiety improvement was not statistically significant.

    Open the Female Infertility page
  • ADHDNot enough evidence

    Too few or too small studies to know if it works.

    The one study found a benefit.

    Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded reported benefit from virtual reality interventions on mental health outcomes in studies that included children with ADHD.

    Open the ADHD page

Before you try it

What studies and reports say about side effects and who it may not suit.

Side effects

Possible: Anxiety Increase.

May not suit you if you have
Psychosis, Depression, and Bipolar Mania
Some trials left out people with
Psychosis, Drug Addiction, Bipolar Disorder, Addiction (General), and 2 more
Reported by users
Anxiety Increase (6 posts) and Dependence

General wellness information, not medical advice. Ask a doctor before you start, especially if you take medicines or have a health condition.

How people do it

A gentle start, then what the studies used.

Start with
45 minutes, weekly (Walk-and-Talk Therapy)A gentle start based on the easiest variation, not on a study.
Build up to
60 minutes, once a week, moderate intensity (what the studies used)
What the studies ran
10 weeks
Longest session studied
120 minutes (Positive Psychotherapy (Group))Not a target and not a safe limit: past it there is no evidence either way.

The expert view shows every study, dose protocol and source.

Effects

27 listed

Start here

Most likely to help, from the evidence we have

  1. Antidepressant EffectCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisSmall effectlong-term51 cited studies · 2 other sources

    A pooled analysis of randomized trials found STPP effective compared with control conditions and antidepressant medication among 4,155 people in its antidepressant-effect analysis. Another pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found that psychological interventions reduced depression compared with controls (SMD −0.53; 95% CI −0.77 to −0.28) among 2,037 people in its depression analysis.

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  2. Anxiety ReductionCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisModerate effectlong-term33 cited studies · 2 other sources

    A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found a moderate reduction in anxiety with psychological interventions among 1,997 people in its anxiety analysis (SMD −0.63; 95% CI −0.98 to −0.28). A separate pooled analysis of prenatal psychotherapies and psychosocial interventions also found reduced anxiety symptoms among 5,231 people in its anxiety analysis (SMD of -0.81, 95% CI: -0.98 to -0.63).

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  3. Trauma Symptom ReductionCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisLarge effect5 cited studies · 1 other source

    A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found a moderate effect on PTSD symptoms among 554 people in its PTSD analysis (SMD=−0.75, 95%CI (−1.04, −0.46)). Another pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found a large effect of EMDR versus waitlist or usual care in children and adolescents with PTSD, measured by self-report at the end of treatment (SMD 1.57, 95% CrI = 0.07–3.21).

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  4. Mood ImprovementCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisSmall effectlong-term29 cited studies · 1 other source

    A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found small improvement among 332 patients receiving psychotherapy (SMD=0.28, 95%CI (0.06, 0.50)). Another such analysis found moderate effects for virtual reality interventions versus passive controls (g = -0.51, 95% CI [-0.76, -0.27], p < .01) among 929 people in its analysis.

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  5. Stress Resilience ImprovementCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisSmall effectlong-term7 cited studies · 2 other sources

    A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found a small reduction in stress with psychological interventions among 1,002 people in its stress analysis (SMD −0.46; 95% CI −0.83 to −0.09). Another pooled analysis reported that counseling therapy reduced depression, stress, and anxiety symptoms compared with usual care in pregnant women.

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  6. Sleep Quality ImprovementCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisLarge effectconflicting findings3 cited studies · 3 other sources

    A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found improved sleep symptoms with CBT-I plus IRT among 31 people in its sleep analysis (SMD=−1.55, 95%CI (−2.39, −0.71)). Findings differed across studies: another pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found no significant advantage for treatment on sleep quality among 1,953 people in its analysis (SMD = 1.66, 95% CrI = -0.1 to 3.49).

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  7. Chronic Pain ReductionCertaintyMediumSourceRCT2 cited studies · 1 other source

    A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found an overall effect of psychological treatment on pain among 534 people in its pain analysis (d = − 1.29, 95% CI − 2.22; − 0.36). In one trial, NRS pain in the experimental group decreased from 7.50±0.84 to 1.20±0.68, while it decreased from 7.50±0.97 to 3.70±0.67 in the control group; the posttest difference between groups was significant (p=0.001).

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Medium probability(6)
  1. Social Function ImprovementCertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effectlong-term7 cited studies · 1 other source

    A meta-analysis pooling randomized and non-randomized human studies found improved social skills with DMP compared with controls among 93 people in its social-skills analysis (Hedges' g = −0.97, 95% CI: −1.69 to −0.25).

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  2. Physical FunctionCertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effect4 cited studies

    A systematic review reported increased physical functioning in both CBT and waiting-list groups among 3,382 people in its physical-function analysis. In a trial among people with generalized anxiety disorder, mean scores improved over time across all three domains, with the largest gains in the first three months; gains in physical functioning were more modest.

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  3. Analgesic EffectCertaintyMediumSourceRCT6 cited studies

    A pooled analysis of randomized trials found that psychotherapy improved vulvar pain in women with vulvodynia among 689 people in its pain analysis. A systematic review also reported reduced pain intensity with internet-based emotional awareness and expression therapy compared with a waiting list, with depressive symptoms mediating the effect.

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  4. Self-Compassion ImprovementCertaintyMediumSourceClinical3 cited studies · 1 other source

    In a trial, the proportion of clients in GPM who responded to self-criticism with self-compassion increased from 2/27 at time 1 to 14/27 at time 2 (significant effect at the level of alpha = 0.001).

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  5. Emotional Regulation ImprovementCertaintyMediumSourceClinical4 cited studies · 1 other source

    A systematic review found that in-phase synchrony was linked with improved emotional stability and positive emotional experiences among 828 people in its emotional-regulation analysis. The review also described affiliative responses as supporting continued emotional exploration and affiliation, while disaffiliative responses may be followed by less emotional elaboration and interaction difficulties.

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  6. Motivation IncreaseCertaintyMediumSourceClinical2 cited studies · 1 other source

    A systematic review found a small improvement in self-efficacy among 77 people in its analysis (F=10.76, p<0.05, d=0.22). Patients also described positive terminations as giving them confidence for future coping.

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Low probability(13)
  1. Fatigue ReductionCertaintyLowSourceRCT1 cited study · 1 other source

    A systematic review found that a stronger baseline sense of control predicted better improvement in fatigue severity among 3,382 people in its fatigue analysis. A passive activity pattern and greater focus on bodily symptoms were associated with poorer outcomes.

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  2. Sexual Function and Libido ImprovementCertaintyLowSourceRCTLarge effectconflicting findings10 cited studies

    A pooled analysis of randomized trials found improved overall sexual function with PLISSIT/EX-PLISSIT-based sexual counseling compared with controls among 467 people in its analysis (MD: 7.38, 95% CI: 4.04-10.72, p < .001). Results differed in women with MS: another pooled analysis of randomized trials estimated a positive effect, but its confidence interval included zero and p = 0.375 (Hedges' g = 0.927, 95 % CI = -1.122 to 2.976).

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  3. Cognitive Function ImprovementCertaintyLowSourceRCT2 cited studies · 1 other source

    A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found statistically significant evidence that inhibition improved after treatment, based on Fisher's combined probability test (X²=42.98, global P-value <0.01).

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  4. Body Composition ImprovementCertaintyLowSourceRCT1 cited study

    In people with type 2 diabetes, a pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies reported a 12-month difference in weight of MD -3.58 kg [-5.62, -1.53].

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  5. Emotional Processing SupportCertaintyLowSourceClinicalfrom a narrative therapy study1 cited study · 2 other sources

    A systematic review reported increased post-traumatic growth in the narrative therapy group (C-PTGI t=-14.595, p<0.001) among 66 people in its analysis.

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  6. Pregnancy Outcome SupportCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 cited study

    In a cohort of 239, the preterm birth rate in the psychotherapy group was 2.2%, compared with 9.4% in Pforzheim and 8.8% in Baden-Württemberg (p < 0.001).

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  7. Self-Awareness IncreaseCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 cited study · 1 other source

    A systematic review reported pre–post improvements in psychological distress, spontaneity, perceived self-efficacy, and alexithymia. These changes were measured with CORE-OM, SAI-R, GSE, and TAS-20, respectively.

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  8. Neuroprotective EffectCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 cited study

    A systematic review described preliminary psychophysiological changes, including increased functional connectivity between the right superior parietal gyrus and left inferior frontal gyrus in the psychodrama group, among 46 people in its analysis.

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  9. Neuroplasticity ImprovementCertaintyLowSourceReviewnot used for recommendations1 cited study

    A review proposes that exposure does not erase original fear learning, but instead creates new safety or non-threat associations that inhibit fear expression under certain conditions. This account is not supported by human evidence.

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  10. Sleep Onset ImprovementCertaintyLowSourceTheoreticalnot used for recommendations1 other source

    Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) improves sleep onset latency and is a treatment for chronic insomnia.

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  11. Rumination ReductionCertaintyLowSourceTheoreticalnot used for recommendations1 other source

    Expert knowledge describes cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based psychotherapy as reducing rumination, which is characterized

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  12. Empathy ImprovementCertaintyLowSourceTheoreticalnot used for recommendations1 other source

    Expert knowledge suggests psychotherapy can enhance empathy and perspective-taking; human evidence is not available for this claim.

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  13. Perfectionism ReductionCertaintyLowSourceTheoreticalnot used for recommendations1 other source

    Cognitive behavioral treatment targeting perfectionism reduces perfectionistic concerns, with depressive and anxiety symptoms also reduced.

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Very low probability(1)
  1. Inflammation ReductionCertaintyVery lowSourceClinicalnot used for recommendations1 cited study

    The study did not support inflammation reduction: at 3 months, NLR was 4.36±0.68 in the experimental group versus 4.02±0.58 in the control group (p=0.009). The authors interpreted the higher NLR as improved balance, but the direction of the finding is unclear.

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What to expect

Trial timelines vary by outcome: depressive and anxiety symptom changes were found in programmes as short as 0.3 weeks, with typical programme lengths of 10 and 9 weeks, respectively; mood changes were measured after at least 7 weeks and typically 10 weeks. Stress resilience and social functioning were assessed in programmes typically lasting 6 and 16 weeks. Longer-term follow-up findings on persistence were mixed, while anxiety increase was reported in 8-week programmes.

Conditions it's used for

Complaints and diagnoses people take it for29 listed

Most likely to help, from the evidence we have

  1. Anxiety Disorder (General)CertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisModerate effect16 cited studies

    Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded reported benefit from virtual reality interventions in anxiety-related conditions. A separate pooled analysis also found benefit across several forms of psychotherapy, but included people with anxiety and other conditions.

    →
  2. Social Anxiety DisorderCertaintyMediumSourceRCTModerate effect5 cited studies

    Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found that psychotherapy reduced social anxiety severity (SMD = −0.73, 95% CI: −0.92 to −0.54) and that STPP performed better than a waitlist but similarly to active treatments (g=-0.97 versus waitlist; g=0.01 versus active treatments). Gains with STPP were maintained at follow-up.

    →
  3. Generalized Anxiety DisorderCertaintyMediumSourceRCT4 cited studies

    Pooled randomized trials in adults with generalized anxiety disorder found reductions in anxiety with individual psychotherapy; sessions longer than 60 minutes were associated with larger effects. In a separate trial of 60 adults with DSM-5 generalized anxiety disorder, brief psychoanalytic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy both reduced anxiety scores more than a waitlist.

    →
  4. Cancer (General)CertaintyMediumSourceRCT3 cited studies

    A pooled analysis of seven randomized trials found improved sexual function and sexual quality of life in women with gynecologic cancer or undergoing gynecologic surgery; certainty was rated low by GRADE. A separate review reported improvements in quality of life, self-esteem, spirituality, post-traumatic growth and social outcomes across adults with various cancer types and stages, but all included studies had high risk of bias.

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  5. Autism Spectrum DisorderCertaintyMediumSourceRCT2 cited studies

    Pooled randomized and non-randomized human studies found improvement in social skill-related outcomes in people with autism spectrum disorder (g = -0.97). The studies were heterogeneous; an uncontrolled study also reported pre-post improvement in autistic adults.

    →
  6. SchizophreniaCertaintyMediumSourceRCT2 cited studies

    A trial in 130 outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder found better psychosocial functioning with MPP-S plus usual care than with usual care alone. A separate pooled analysis reported reductions in schizophrenia symptoms and improved psychosocial functioning.

    →
  7. Female InfertilityCertaintyMediumSourceClinical4 cited studies

    A randomized trial in 120 couples with primary infertility after a failed assisted reproductive technique found improved negative sexual self-concept in both women and men receiving the intervention. A review also reported improvements in depressive symptoms, hopelessness and self-esteem after group psychodrama; anxiety improvement was not statistically significant.

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Low probability(20)
  1. ADHDCertaintyLowSourceMeta-analysis1 cited study

    Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded reported benefit from virtual reality interventions on mental health outcomes in studies that included children with ADHD.

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  2. Anorexia NervosaCertaintyLowSourceMeta-analysis1 cited study

    One study focused on anorexia nervosa, and pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded reported benefit from virtual reality interventions.

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  3. InsomniaCertaintyLowSourceMeta-analysis1 cited study

    Among people with PTSD symptoms and insomnia, CBT-I improved sleep symptoms (SMD=−1.00) and PTSD symptoms (SMD=−1.18) in the insomnia subgroup. The findings concern people with PTSD and insomnia symptoms, not insomnia in general.

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  4. Binge Eating DisorderCertaintyLowSourceRCT1 cited study

    One pilot randomized trial in 21 people found large reductions in binge episodes (d=0.99-1.51), maintained at 3-month follow-up.

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  5. Diabetes Type 2CertaintyLowSourceRCT1 cited study

    A pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies reported reductions in HbA1c and longer-term weight with psychotherapy-based interventions in adults with type 2 diabetes.

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  6. Eating Disorder (General)CertaintyLowSourceRCT1 cited study

    Pooled randomized trials found improved eating-disorder symptoms and fewer objective binge episodes with psychotherapy versus usual care or control in adults with eating disorders who were not underweight.

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  7. EpilepsyCertaintyLowSourceRCT1 cited study

    A network meta-analysis reported benefits for anxiety, depression and quality of life in people with epilepsy; the finding does not specify an effect on seizures.

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  8. FibromyalgiaCertaintyLowSourceRCT1 cited study

    A review covering five randomized controlled trials reported reductions in symptom severity, pain, anxiety and depression, alongside improved quality of life, with cognitive behavioral therapy, internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction.

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  9. HIV/AIDSCertaintyLowSourceRCTLarge effect1 cited study

    In a randomized trial of 269 people with HIV who smoked, PSF counseling increased biochemically verified abstinence at 36 weeks (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.35–4.35); improved self-efficacy mediated cessation.

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  10. Cerebrovascular DiseaseCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 cited study

    A single-group study in 30 children with MMD found improvements in quality of life and caregiver knowledge after counseling. Without a control group, the study authors noted that causality cannot be firmly established.

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  11. Hearing LossCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 cited study

    A randomized trial in 100 deaf women found improvement in primary and secondary outcomes compared with routine services.

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  12. PregnancyCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 cited study

    A randomized trial in 56 primigravida women selected for ineffective sexual beliefs found improvements in sexual function and sexual beliefs at 2 and 4 weeks; between-group differences were in the same direction.

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  13. Spinal StenosisCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 cited study

    A trial in 66 patients after LCS surgery found that psychotherapy-based education reduced pain and improved psychological resilience and mental well-being compared with no intervention.

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  14. Preterm BirthCertaintyLowSourceClinicalnot used for recommendations1 cited study

    A cohort study found a preterm birth rate of 2.2% in the psychotherapy group, versus 9.4% in Pforzheim and 8.8% with standard care in Baden-Württemberg (p < 0.001). The psychotherapy group was, on average, 1.9 years older.

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  15. Alcohol AddictionCertaintyLowSourceTheoreticalnot used for recommendations1 other source

    Motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management may reduce drinking and relapse in alcohol use disorder.

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  16. Nicotine AddictionCertaintyLowSourceTheoreticalnot used for recommendations1 other source

    Behavioral counseling may increase smoking quit rates; combining it with pharmacotherapy may result in higher quit rates than either approach alone.

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  17. Bipolar DisorderCertaintyLowSourceTheoreticalnot used for recommendations1 other source

    Psychoeducation, family-focused therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy may be used alongside medication to reduce relapse and improve functioning between episodes.

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  18. Chronic PainCertaintyLowSourceTheoreticalnot used for recommendations1 other source

    Cognitive behavioral therapy may improve pain coping and function in chronic pain, independently of changes in nociception.

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  19. Bulimia NervosaCertaintyLowSourceTheoreticalnot used for recommendations1 other source

    Eating-disorder-focused cognitive behavioral therapy may reduce binge and purge frequency in bulimia nervosa.

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  20. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)CertaintyLowSourceTheoreticalnot used for recommendations1 other source

    Cognitive behavioral therapy and gut-directed hypnotherapy may reduce overall IBS symptoms and distress in adults with IBS.

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Very low probability(2)
  1. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder)CertaintyVery lowSourceClinicalnot used for recommendations1 cited study
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  2. Peripheral NeuropathyCertaintyVery lowSourceClinicalnot used for recommendations1 cited study
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Side effects

1 listed

Highest probability

  1. Anxiety IncreaseCertaintyMediumSourceClinical2 cited studies · 1 other source

    A 2025 pooled review whose study designs were not recorded noted emotional distress or intolerance during imaginal confrontation using the empty-chair technique. Separately, a randomized trial in 122 adults reported a post-intervention NSESSS-PTSD result for Mini-IPT-G versus TAU (β = 5.04 (95% CI, 0.95 to 9.13); P = .02).

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1 more mentioned only by users

Don't do it if

When to skip it or get medical advice first3 listed

Highest probability

  1. PsychosisCertaintyLowSourceReference knowledgeTheoretical

    Unstable or untreated psychosis with active delusions or disorganization may impair therapeutic alliance and insight, so stabilization may be needed before standard psychotherapy.

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  2. DepressionCertaintyLowSourceReference knowledgeTheoretical

    Severe depression with marked psychomotor retardation or high suicide risk may limit engagement; adjunctive pharmacological or somatic treatment may be needed first.

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  3. Bipolar ManiaCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical

    During an acute manic episode, impaired insight, racing thoughts, and difficulty engaging can limit the usefulness of structured psychotherapy; intensive insight-oriented or trauma-processing work can add arousal. Psychotherapy is added once the episode is stabilized with medical treatment.

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Who the trials left out

Some trials of this practice did not take people with these conditions, so the studies say less about them. This is not a warning and does not show harm. Ask a clinician first.13 listed
Left out by one trial each (7)

When you stop

Rebound and withdrawal after discontinuing4 listed

Highest probability

  1. Antidepressant EffectCertaintyMediumSourceClinicalloss of benefit5 cited studies

    Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found a small, non-significant effect on depression at long-term follow-up (SMD −0.28; 95% CI −0.58 to 0.02).

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Low probability(3)
  1. Mood ImprovementCertaintyLowSourceClinicalloss of benefit1 cited study

    A review reported lower mood in Group A than Group B, but found no significant difference at follow-up.

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  2. Stress Resilience ImprovementCertaintyLowSourceClinicalloss of benefit1 cited study

    Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found a small, non-significant effect on stress at long-term follow-up (SMD −0.28; 95% CI −0.58 to 0.02).

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  3. Anxiety IncreaseCertaintyLowSourceTheoreticalloss of benefit1 other source

    Without continued skill use, some anxiety reduction may fade after therapy ends. Relapse is lower after skills-based therapy such as CBT than after medication alone.

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Interactions

Okay to combine with

Highest probability of useful synergy

  1. PracticesMeditationCertaintyMediumSourceReference knowledgePotentiating

    Mindfulness practices may complement psychotherapy, particularly by supporting relapse prevention for depression and anxiety.

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  2. SupplementsOmega-3CertaintyMediumSourceReference knowledgeComplementary

    Omega-3 may enhance psychotherapy response in mood disorders, particularly when the supplement has high EPA content.

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  3. PracticesExpressive WritingCertaintyMediumSourceTheoreticalComplementary

    Journaling between sessions can help clients process emotions and track progress, reinforcing the work done in therapy.

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  4. PracticesCardioCertaintyMediumSourceTheoreticalAdditive

    Aerobic exercise has antidepressant and anxiety-reducing effects of its own; alongside psychotherapy, it may add to symptom improvement and support engagement.

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  5. PracticesSupport GroupsCertaintyMediumSourceTheoreticalComplementary

    Peer support can provide social connection and reinforcement outside therapy sessions, complementing individual treatment.

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Weakens or is weakened by

Highest probability

  1. SupplementsEthanol (Alcohol)CertaintyMediumSourceReference knowledgeCompetitive

    Chronic alcohol use can impair emotional processing and reduce engagement with and response to psychotherapy.

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  2. SupplementsCaffeineCertaintyMediumSourceReference knowledgeCompetitive

    Caffeine can increase anxiety and physiological arousal, potentially counteracting psychotherapy’s anxiety-reducing effects.

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How it works

The mechanisms this practice works through25 listed · 0 established
  • Affective modulation beyond anesthesia and explosive dyscontrolEmotion regulationproposed

    Addresses polarised emotional functioning (affective anesthesia vs. overwhelming outbursts); requires a secure, structured holding environment to de-escalate hypervigilance before regulation skills can be introduced.

    PMID 42293932

  • Anxiety and disease self-managementPsychological flexibility (ACT core processes)proposed

    ACT aims to increase psychological flexibility through acceptance, cognitive defusion, present-moment awareness, self-as-context, values clarification, and committed action, which may target maladaptive anxiety responses and improve self-management.

    PMID 41127398

  • Distorted beliefs, justifications, and cognitive biases sustaining offending behaviourCognitive restructuringproposed

    Directly targets distorted beliefs and justifications sustaining offending; requires gradual, relationally grounded engagement with entrenched antisocial value systems, particularly when antisocial features co-occur with psychosis.

    PMID 42293932

  • Distressing trauma memoriesTrauma memory processing via bilateral stimulationproposed

    EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (including butterfly hug as self-administered method) to process traumatic material and reduce PTSD symptoms; the review found large effects on self-reported PTSD symptoms but the mechanism was not directly tested.

    PMID 41340540

  • Emotion word repertoire (EWR) as a component of emotional awarenessEmotional awareness and verbalization of emotionsproposed

    A greater EWR at baseline predicted a reduction of NSSI during one year of psychotherapy, suggesting that the ability to verbalize emotions may facilitate emotion regulation and reduce maladaptive self-harm strategies in BPD.

    PMID 40877786

  • Emotional insight and reduction of social anxiety symptomsPsychodynamic mechanisms (addressing unconscious conflicts, exploring interpersonal patterns and defense mechanisms, using the therapeutic relationship to facilitate emotional insight)proposed

    STPP protocols share core psychodynamic principles including the early definition of a treatment focus, an active therapeutic stance, and an emphasis on the here-and-now; the authors note the specific therapeutical elements contributing to effects remain unclear.

    PMID 41787584

  • GABA systemGABAergic inhibitory neurotransmissionproposed

    Authors speculate psychotherapy may influence brain function indirectly by engaging higher-order regulatory processes supporting adaptive inhibitory control, in contrast to pharmacotherapy's direct GABAergic action.

    PMID 41883109

  • Maternal stress responseStress resilience and HPA axis regulationproposed

    The paper discusses that psychotherapy may build stress resilience and attenuate stress-associated health outcomes including depression, anxiety, and pro-inflammatory states that can precipitate adverse pregnancy events, though mechanisms were not directly measured in this study.

    PMID 41473218

  • PTSD symptoms and sleep disturbancesPsychological - trauma-focused reprocessingproposed

    Psychotherapy, particularly IRT or IRT plus CBT-I, reduces PTSD and sleep symptoms in patients with PTSD and sleep disorders; combining psychological interventions demonstrates a more apparent effect size than single psychological interventions.

    PMID 40665297

  • Psychological comorbidity and symptom burden in IBDBrain-gut axis (neuroimmune and neuroendocrine pathways)proposed

    Paper notes a bidirectional brain-gut relationship mediated by neuroimmune and neuroendocrine pathways; psychological interventions may reduce distress and improve coping rather than directly modifying intestinal inflammation.

    PMID 41127398

  • Reorientation from antisocial 'anti-values' to prosocial norms and belongingIdentification with social valuesproposed

    Shifts identification from antisocial sub-group values (codes of silence, legitimisation of violence) toward prosocial values (reciprocity, mutual responsibility, respect for law), facilitated by concrete social reintegration interventions such as employment.

    PMID 42293932

  • Stress and maladaptive cognitions/behaviorsCognitive restructuring and behavioral techniques (CBT)proposed

    CBT targets maladaptive cognitions (catastrophizing, negative automatic thoughts) and behaviors (avoidance) using cognitive restructuring and relaxation/activity scheduling to strengthen adaptive coping and reduce perceived stress.

    PMID 41127398

  • Therapeutic alliance, psychological readiness, and emotional engagementPsychological preparation / set and settingproposed

    Preparation sessions establish a strong therapeutic alliance, clarify intentions, reduce anxiety, create trust in the treatment process, and cultivate approach-oriented motives, potentially maximizing the therapeutic benefit of dosing sessions; consistent with Grawe's theory of the human need for control and orientation.

    PMID 41563753

  • balance between limbic/salience reactivity (amygdala, parahippocampal regions, anterior insula, ACC/aMCC) and prefrontal control systems (inferior/medial PFC, DLPFC, VLPFC)fronto-limbic-salience networkproposed

    Heightened limbic-salience activity paired with insufficient prefrontal regulatory capacity predicts poorer psychotherapy response in BPD; a favorable neural profile is characterized by lower limbic/salience load combined with preserved structural integrity and flexible recruitment of prefrontal control regions

    PMID 42253793

  • depressive symptomsCognitive restructuring and behavioral activationproposed

    WISE-T applies the Eisenhower Principle, value clarification, habit formation, and cognitive restructuring of decision-making biases (sunk cost fallacy, hindsight bias, focusing illusion) to schedule and engage in meaningful activities.

    PMID 42204537

  • detection of ruptures via bodily cuestherapeutic alliance and rupture repairproposed

    The bodily dimension is diagnostic in the detection of ruptures; attention to bodily processes is associated with rupture repair and restoration of the therapeutic alliance, which contributes to therapeutic change.

    PMID 41969872

  • dyadic affect regulation via nonverbal informationaffect regulationproposed

    Verbalizing implicit nonverbal processes may explain the impact of embodied understanding; embodied memory traces become available to modification in a new relationship where emotion regulation is more adaptive.

    PMID 41969872

  • emotion regulation capacityInterpersonal synchrony → emotion regulation (In-Sync model)proposed

    Patient-therapist synchrony (in-phase, physiological, therapist-led) is associated with improved emotion regulation, emotional stability, and positive emotional experiences in psychotherapy, consistent with the In-Sync model's third level.

    PMID 41031855

  • fear extinction / safety learningInhibitory learningproposed

    Exposure creates new safety or non-threat associations that inhibit fear expression rather than erasing fear memory; emphasizes expectancy violation, variability, retrieval cues, removal of safety behaviors, and generalization across contexts.

    PMID 42279084

  • negative attribution bias, effort sensitivity, positive reinforcement cyclecognitive-behavioralproposed

    CBT cognitive reconstruction reduces tendency to attribute negative events to internal causes; behavioral activation goal-setting reduces effort sensitivity and may stimulate a positive reinforcement cycle that ameliorates mood.

    PMID 41029456

  • pain severity and emotional distresspsychological - trauma processing and emotional awarenessproposed

    Trauma-focused therapies (EAET) integrate pain neuroscience education with identification and expression of avoided emotions, addressing the additive impact of CSS and PTSS/PTSD through shared mechanisms proposed by the mutual maintenance, shared vulnerability, and co-occurring chronic pain and PTSD models

    PMID 40847104

  • positive emotions and coping strategiespsychologicalproposed

    Positive psychotherapy based on Fredrickson's broaden-and-build theory; training focused on self-awareness, strengths recognition, meaning and goal setting, gratitude, hope, forgiveness, and active coping strategies to modulate pain perception and support psychological recovery

    PMID 41319196

  • smoking cessationPsychological — abstinence self-efficacyproposed

    PSF counseling increased self-efficacy (lower Smoking Self-efficacy/Temptation score) from baseline to 12 weeks, and change in self-efficacy mediated the effect of PSF on biochemically-verified abstinence at 36 weeks (indirect effect 0.30, 95% CI 0.08–0.63).

    PMID 41369963

  • superior/medial frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate cortexPFC-ACC inhibitory control networkproposed

    ALE convergence suggests psychotherapy modulates prefrontal-anterior cingulate circuitry; authors speculate repeated engagement of inhibitory processes during therapy may strengthen synaptic connections and improve functional connectivity/efficiency.

    PMID 41883109

  • urinary-incontinence-related behaviors and pelvic floor/bladder controlhealth-promotion behavior changeproposed

    Pender model constructs, including activity-related affect, self-efficacy, perceived barriers and benefits, interpersonal and situational influences, and commitment to plan, were used in group counseling to encourage behavior change and improve quality of life. No physiological biomarker was measured.

    PMID 41094497

How to start

Typical protocol

96 protocolsEstimated

Across every study of this practice, whatever the variation.

60 min · 1×/week

Course
10 weeks
Rounds
4–16
Intensity
Moderate
Format
Individual
Supervision
Instructor-led

Courses and single sessions · 70 repeated-course and 5 single-session protocols

70% of the corpus contributed

Community experience

Based on 259 public posts from Reddit, Bluesky, YouTube, Hacker News, and Phoenix Rising.

Signal found45 signals5 platforms
Reddit 219Bluesky 12YouTube 12Hacker News 12Phoenix Rising 4

What people report it did

10 outcomes mentioned across 259 public reports. A report often mentions several, so these counts do not add up to the total.

Reported side effects2

What people report doing

Counted from public posts and videos, not from a survey. Each figure counts the posts that mentioned it — most reports say nothing about schedule.

Session lengthas written

“six hours”

How long they've practisedas written

“1 year”“6-8 months”

References

278 screened · 131 analysed · 132 listed below

Studies and sources cited on this page. Evidence quality varies — check the grade on each.

  1. Examining Who Benefits from Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Depression: Insights from a Series of Individual Participant Data Meta-analyses.Psychodyn Psychiatry2026Meta-analysisAn=4155
  2. Immersive virtual reality psychotherapy for children and adolescents-A systematic review and meta-analysis.Internet Interv2026Meta-analysisAn=929
  3. The impact of PLISSIT model-based counseling on the sexual life of women with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Mult Scler Relat Disord2026Meta-analysisAn=232
  4. Effects of interpersonal psychotherapy on postpartum depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.J Psychiatr Res2026Meta-analysisAn=1269
  5. Psychological interventions improve mental health in inflammatory digestive diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Ther Adv Gastroenterol2025Meta-analysisAn=3599
  6. Psychotherapeutic, pharmacological and other active interventions from the NICE guideline for post-traumatic stress disorder with sleep disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Psychiatry2025Meta-analysisAn=1632
  7. Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts After Direct or Indirect Psychotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.JAMA Psychiatry2025Meta-analysisAn=11001
  8. Efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with cognitive behavioral therapy for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Front Psychol2026Meta-analysisBn=1320
  9. The immediate and follow-up effects of EMDR therapy for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.BMC Psychol2026Meta-analysisBn=3342
  10. Acceptability and efficacy of a smartphone intervention informed by interpersonal psychotherapy for perinatal mental health: A randomized controlled trial.Psychol Med2026RCTBn=350
Show all 132 references

    Diatelos provides general wellness information based on published research. It is not medical advice. Talk to a clinician before starting any new supplement or practice, especially if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take medication.