Recently I was questioned by a client about the scientific support for theories in psychology. This person happened to be a scientist and couldn't understand how conclusions could be drawn by such small samples of population. This issue is especially true when it comes to measuring the success of any therapeutic treatment approach. One of the bigger problems is the drop out rate for any given therapy. Once the client gets what they want out of therapy they stop.

The other day I saw a new client who had an obvious mental health issue. While she acknowledged the problem, that wasn't the reason for her visit. She wanted advice and counsel for a current situation that was causing her some anxiety. Once the session was over she left satisfied with the results of the session. As a therapist I would see her as a person who dropped out of therapy. On the other hand it is her life and her misery. Thank God for medication it sometimes makes life tolerable.