The Effectiveness of Counseling
Written by Philip B. Gnilka, PhD, NCC, CCMHC, CPC
Decades of Research Demonstrates Counseling IS Effective.
In an era of endless “self-help” gurus, it is important to focus on the empirical data to answer the question, “What actually creates lasting change?” Well, research has consistently demonstrated that psychotherapy (also called counseling) is highly effective, with the average client being better off than 80% of those who do not seek help. At Sequoia Counseling Group, we bridge the gap between academic research and clinical practice. Our work is grounded in evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavior Therapy and the Gottman Method for Couples Counseling. These scientifically backed therapy appraoches can create measurable changes in people’s lives.
Here are some specific examples of how psychotherapy is helpful to different issues people may face:
Career Stress and Burnout: When examining work-related outcomes, studies show that professional intervention significantly reduces the long-term impact of career stress and burnout.
Couples and Relationships: Success rates for relationship interventions are particularly high when using structured models like the Gottman Method, which we utilize in our couples counseling sessions.
Anxiety and OCD: Evidence-based treatments like CBT and ERP have been proven as the gold standard for managing anxiety and OCD.
Teens and Adolescents: Early intervention is a key factor in the effectiveness of teen therapy, providing adolescents with tools that last a lifetime.
What Makes Psychotherapy Effective?
Another question I regularly get is what makes psychotherapy effective? (Short Answer: The working alliance). Let me unpack a bit of this for you.
First, it is important to note that psychotherapy (again also called talk therapy or counseling) has a massive amount of research collected over 100 years that shows approximately 80% of people who attend counseling are significantly better off than those who do not. These types of results are really strong and have been shown across issues discussed in counseling. What this means is there is hope for you!
What Does Counseling Actually Look Like?
Here is a little bit of information about the process as too many people have seen TVs shows and movies and gotten the wrong impression. Counseling is more than simply talking and venting about your problems. While this can make you feel good for a little while, it usually does not help you make more meaningful and longer-term change.
The counseling process involves making changes in the ways you feel, think, and behave. You may not know the exact changes you want to make or how about doing that. That is ok, and your counselor will work together to make a plan to get to where you want to be in life. Counseling is typically time-limited, and you always want to make sure you are working towards a goal during your time together. A lot of counselors specialize in various theories and treatment approaches. For example, we at Sequoia Counseling Group, specialize in empirically backed approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and feedback informed treatment.
To a large degree, a successful treatment outcome depends on the amount of energy and effort you make as well as making sure we are working collaboratively. Just as if you were learning a new language or working out, improving your mental well-being requires practicing the changes we agree upon in your everyday life.
Evidence-Based Care at Sequoia Counseling Group
We apply this research-backed finding to every area of our practice. Our therapists specialize in providing effective, data-driven care for:
So don’t wait if you are feeling you need help. Reach out for a complementary consultation to discuss counseling and start living the life you want.
Clinically Reviewed for Accuracy | April 28, 2026|By Philip B. Gnilka, PhD, NCC, CCMHC, CPC
Dr. Philip B. Gnilka is the founder of Sequoia Counseling Group in the Las Vegas Metro. He is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC). Before entering full-time private practice, he served for 12 years as a Professor of Counselor Education at Kent State, DePaul, and Virginia Commonwealth University. With over 30 peer-reviewed research publications, Dr. Gnilka bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world healing.