There are two ways of answering this question: through scientific studies and by reports of people who have had therapy. Consumer Reports magazine (1995) conducted a study examining the effectiveness of therapy.  Of the 4,000 therapy clients who responded, nearly 90% reported that they were managing life better after getting help.  Those people who reported the most upset and discomfort at the beginning of their therapy reported the greatest benefit and improvement. They noted that treatment by more highly qualified therapists was more likely to produce benefits. They also found that therapy which lasted more than six months was significantly more effective than shorter-term therapy for significant emotional and behavioural problems