Psychotherapy: what the research says

Psychotherapy has good evidence for low mood. Evidence for anxiety, long-term pain and grief is limited; CBT has more for anxiety.

What a session is

A talking therapy with a trained psychotherapist. You explore feelings, relationships and patterns, often from earlier in life, that may be affecting you now.

What the research says

• Low mood: UK guidance lists short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy among first options for depression, though CBT-type therapies rank higher. Studies vary in quality. Good evidence it helps · NICE, 2022 · Cochrane, 2014 · NHS, 2023
• Worry and anxiety: Fewer and smaller studies than for CBT, with some benefits. UK guidance suggests it for social anxiety only when CBT is not wanted. Limited evidence · NICE, 2013 · Cochrane, 2007 · Cochrane, 2014
• Back, neck and long-term pain: Not enough evidence for UK guidance to recommend it for long-term pain, though the few studies suggest there may be some benefit. Limited evidence · NICE, 2021
• Grief: Studies have not shown that routine therapy helps everyone who is grieving. It may matter more when grief or low mood is not easing. Limited evidence · NHS, 2026 · WHO, 2013
• Stress: Not studied for everyday stress in the sources we use. The NHS says talking therapies may help if stress affects your life. No good evidence yet · NHS, 2026
• Sleep: Not studied for sleep in the sources we use. For long-term poor sleep, CBT for insomnia is the talking therapy with evidence. No good evidence yet · NCCIH, 2024
• Menopause: Not studied for menopause symptoms in the sources we use. UK guidance suggests menopause-specific CBT instead. No good evidence yet · NICE, 2024

More on each need: Lift your mood · Feel calmer · A relaxed body · Grief and loss · Handle stress better · Sleep better · Menopause wellbeing

Is it safe?

Talking about painful feelings and relationships can be upsetting at first, so tell your therapist if it is. If you have bipolar disorder, psychosis or an eating disorder, talk to your GP first. NICE, 2022 · NHS, 2025

Sessions on Sissoo complement medical care and never replace it. Please don’t stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor. If you feel very low or think about ending your life, call your local emergency number now.

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Checked 17 October 2026. Next check by April 2027. How we rate the evidence.