Can therapy create dependency?

Therapy can indeed create dependency, particularly when it becomes a long-term habit without clear therapeutic goals. Experts highlight several scenarios where therapy might not be beneficial:

1. Prolonged Therapy Without Clear Goals: Abigail Shrier explains that therapy can sometimes undermine a child's agency, especially when they are in therapy for issues that do not require prolonged treatment. This can lead to treatment dependency, where individuals feel incapable of making decisions or taking actions without consulting their therapist 1.

2. When Therapy Becomes a Routine: Jordan Harbinger discusses that therapy can become unhelpful when a patient no longer has relevant symptoms or therapy goals to work on, but continues attending sessions out of habit. This situation might foster a form of codependency between the therapist and the client 2.

3. Excessive Reliance: Evy Poumpouras talks about how continuous therapy sessions without significant progress can indicate a harmful dependency. She emphasizes the importance of empowering clients to trust their judgment and make decisions independently instead of relying indefinitely on therapy 3.

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     1

     Therapy Dependency Dilemma

     00:31:12
     
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     2

     Addiction to Therapy?

     00:32:55
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     3

     Trusting Ourselves

     00:33:01

In conclusion, while therapy is critical for many, it is essential to achieve a balance and ensure that it doesn't become a crutch, preventing personal growth and independence.