With so many different therapeutic modalities, approaches and techniques out there, one can find themselves quite confused – which is best? What should I choose?
The good news is that there is no right or wrong answer – research shows that what truly makes therapy work goes beyond methods and theories—it’s about hope, connection, and the strengths clients bring to the process.
So, what makes therapy effective? And how can I get the most out of it?
1. The Therapeutic Relationship (30%)
One of the most critical factors in successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship—the connection between therapist and client. Research shows this accounts for about 30% of therapy’s effectiveness.
This is why finding the right therapist for you is so important – what matters is that you feel safe, respected and understood.
A strong therapeutic relationship is built on:
- Trust – Feeling safe to open up without fear of judgment.
- Empathy – Knowing your therapist truly understands and validates your experience.
- Collaboration – Working together as a team to navigate challenges.
Finding a therapist who makes you feel heard and supported is more important than choosing a specific technique. So, if you’re looking for English-speaking therapy in the Netherlands, prioritize connection over method.
2. The Client’s Own Strengths & Resources (40%)
The biggest factor in therapy success is YOU.
Clients bring their own resilience, strengths, and life circumstances to the table, and these factors account for 40% of therapy’s success. No matter how skilled a therapist is, real change happens when clients engage with the process, apply insights to their daily lives, and use their own resources to grow.
This is actually great news because it means you have more control over your healing journey than you might think. Therapy isn’t about a therapist “fixing” you—it’s about uncovering and strengthening the tools you already have.
3. The Role of Therapeutic Techniques (15%)
When looking for a therapist in the Netherlands or searching for the best therapy techniques, many people focus on approaches like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Schema Therapy, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These techniques matter, but they only account for about 15% of therapy’s success.
Why? Because therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. A skilled therapist adapts techniques to fit your needs, making therapy a personalized process. While CBT for anxiety or depression, or schema therapy for emotional regulation or stress management can be effective, what really matters is how well the approach aligns with the client’s unique situation.
So if you’re searching for the most effective therapy, remember: it’s not just about the method—it’s about how it’s used in the right context.
4. The Power of Expectation & Hope (15%)
One of the most overlooked factors in therapy is simply believing that change is possible. Studies show that a client’s expectations—sometimes called the “placebo effect” or “expectancy effect” in therapy—play a huge role in success. If you walk into therapy with a sense of hope, you’re already increasing your chances of improvement.
Simply put, when you believe that therapy can help, it increases your chances of seeing positive change. This isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s backed by psychology. When people enter therapy with hope for personal growth and expectations of improvement, they’re already setting themselves up for success.
So if you’re considering therapy but feel skeptical, remember: being open to the process and allowing yourself to believe in change can significantly enhance your results.
How to Get the Most Out of Therapy
If you’re searching for how to make therapy work better or how to get the best results from therapy, here are a few tips:
- Find a therapist you connect with. Whether you need online therapy in the Netherlands or in-person sessions, prioritize connection.
- Be open to the process. Even if therapy feels uncomfortable at first, trust that growth happens in that discomfort.
- Engage outside of sessions. The real work often happens between appointments—apply what you learn to daily life.
- Give it time. Therapy isn’t an instant fix, but consistent effort leads to lasting change.
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or life transitions, therapy offers the tools and support to help you navigate your journey. And this is exactly what we aim to offer at Bloomwave.
References
Hubble, M. A., Duncan, B. L., & Miller, S. D. (Eds.). (1999). The heart and soul of change: What works in therapy.
Wampold, B. E., & Imel, Z. E. (2015). The great psychotherapy debate: The evidence for what makes psychotherapy work.