In the pace of modern life, there are moments when our minds feel overwhelmed, or our emotions become difficult to manage - rising suddenly, like strong waves that leave us feeling off balance.
Content Written by: Nguyen Duc Nam – Head of the Department of Psychology – Integrated Mental Healthcare Center - Vinmec Times City International Hospital.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one billion people worldwide are living with mental health concerns, with anxiety and depression being the most common. Yet only around one-third of those affected are able to access professional psychological care. Many others choose to remain silent, endure on their own, or attempt to cope without support.
The encouraging news is that psychological therapy has been scientifically proven to be highly effective, showing positive outcomes in up to 79% of people who engage in treatment. More than symptom relief, therapy is a process of sustainable healing - helping individuals build skills that support long-term mental wellbeing.
In this article, we explore what psychological therapy is, how it works, and why it can play a meaningful role in helping you live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Understanding Psychological Therapy
What is Psychological Therapy?
Psychological therapy is a collaborative, evidence-based process between you and a professionally trained mental health specialist.
It takes place in a safe and confidential environment and follows structured methods with clearly defined therapeutic goals.
Psychological therapy aims to:
- Help you develop deeper insight into yourself and your emotional experiences
- Identify patterns in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that arise when you are facing difficulties
- Gradually build psychological skills that improve your quality of life, relationships, and everyday functioning
When we go through emotionally challenging periods, it is not only our feelings that are affected - our thinking and behavior often shift as well. Over time, these changes can form unhelpful patterns that maintain distress. Psychological therapy works at a deeper level to help address these patterns and support meaningful change.
How Effective Is Psychological Therapy?
A large body of research confirms the effectiveness of psychological therapy.
Studies from the American Psychological Association (APA) indicate that psychological therapy is often as effective as, or even more effective than, medication in treating depression - especially when considering patient satisfaction and the ability to maintain improvements over time. While medication primarily focuses on managing biological symptoms and relapse may occur after discontinuation, therapy addresses underlying psychological processes, helping individuals change the way they think, behave, and cope with future challenges.
A comprehensive review published in Administration and Policy in Mental Health analyzed 252 studies across diverse patient populations. The findings showed that individuals receiving psychological therapy experienced significantly better outcomes than 79% of those who did not receive treatment.
Common Misconceptions
When beginning a mental health journey, many people encounter barriers shaped by misconceptions or unspoken fears. Understanding therapy more accurately can help you feel more confident in seeking support.
Misconception 1: “I should be able to handle this on my own.”
Seeking professional help reflects self-awareness and inner strength. Just as you would consult a doctor for physical health concerns, reaching out to a mental health professional during emotional difficulties is a proactive and healthy decision.
Misconception 2: “Therapy is only for severe mental illness.”
Psychological therapy can support anyone who wishes to improve their quality of life—from managing everyday stress to developing communication skills and gaining deeper self-understanding.
Misconception 3: “Therapy will last forever.”
Therapy follows a goal-oriented and measurable process. Many people experience meaningful improvement within a few months when receiving the right therapeutic approach.
When might Psychological Therapy be Helpful?
Psychological therapy is not only for crisis situations or severe conditions. Identifying concerns early and seeking support proactively is one of the most effective ways to protect mental health before stress becomes overwhelming.
You may benefit from therapy if you:
- Feel persistently sad, anxious, irritable, or emotionally overwhelmed for more than two weeks
- Experience ongoing difficulties in relationships
- Struggle with concentration at work or school
- Are going through major life changes such as separation, loss, or career transitions
- Use substances such as alcohol, tobacco, or other substances to cope with emotions
- Have thoughts of self-harm or feel that life has lost meaning
- Or simply wish to grow personally and live a more balanced, fulfilling life
Importantly, you do not need to wait until things become “serious enough” to seek support. Wanting to understand yourself better, develop personally, or live more fully is already a valid reason to begin therapy.
Psychological Therapy Approaches at Vinmec
At Vinmec Integrated Mental Health Care, our psychologists design individualized treatment plans based on evidence-based approaches, tailored to each person’s needs.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Helps identify and modify unhelpful thought patterns that influence emotions and behavior. Effective for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and eating disorders.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
Focuses on accepting difficult thoughts and emotions rather than avoiding them, while supporting actions aligned with personal values. Effective for depression, anxiety, trauma, and chronic pain.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR & MBCT):
Support present-moment awareness with openness and non-judgment. These approaches are effective in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties, while enhancing resilience.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):
Integrates cognitive and mindfulness-based techniques, focusing on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and self-awareness. Particularly helpful for emotional instability.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):
A specialized therapy designed to process traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress linked to past experiences.
Your Therapy Journey at Vinmec
What makes Psychological Therapy at Vinmec different?
At Vinmec, therapy is designed as a respectful, evidence-based experience that supports gradual and sustainable change.
A safe and confidential environment
All sessions take place in private settings with highly qualified psychologists. Confidentiality, empathy, and respect are central, allowing you to share openly without fear of judgment.
Deeper self-understanding
Through comprehensive psychological assessments, therapists help you gain insight into your emotional wellbeing, personal values, and motivations - while supporting new perspectives on challenges.
Practical skills for everyday life
Therapy equips you with tools that extend beyond the therapy room, including emotional regulation, managing unhelpful thoughts, building healthier habits, strengthening resilience, and understanding the mind - body connection.
Why Choose Vinmec for Your Mental Health Care?
Choosing therapy is a proactive step toward positive and lasting change. At Vinmec, we are committed to providing high-quality psychological care through:
- A team of highly trained psychologists with postgraduate qualifications
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs and goals
- Professional, confidential, and supportive therapeutic environments
- Continuous training and research to ensure evidence-based, up-to-date care
Conclusion: Mental Health Is a Right, not a Privilege
In a world full of change and pressure, caring for mental health is no longer optional - it is essential for a balanced and meaningful life.
Psychological therapy not only helps you navigate present challenges but also equips you with the skills and resilience needed for the future.
If you are considering starting therapy, remember that you do not have to face everything alone. Support is available, and your journey toward balance can begin today.
References
1. World Health Organization (WHO). (2025). Over a billion people living with mental health conditions – services require urgent scale-up.
2. Stockton, C., et al. (2022). The Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions Delivered in Routine Practice: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Administration and Policy in Mental Health.
3. American Psychological Association. (2012). Research shows psychotherapy is effective but underutilized.
4. Hunsley, J., & Lee, C. M. (2014). The Efficacy and Effectiveness of Psychological Treatments. Canadian Psychological Association.
5. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Psychotherapies for Mental Health Conditions.
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