Do you think that having more money would make you happier? Maybe it would. But according to a study done at two universities, therapy could be more cost effective at making you happy than getting more money.
In the 2009 study, two researchers (from University of Manchester and University of Warwick) compared how thousands of people answered questions about their wellbeing. They compared how wellbeing changed due to therapy to how it increased with a sudden rise in income (like winning the lottery or getting a big raise).
They found a four-month course of therapy had a large effect on wellbeing, and that it would take a pay raise of over $40,000 Canadian dollars to achieve an equivalent increase in wellbeing. The researchers called therapy 32 times more effective at increasing wellbeing than simply getting more money.
The two researchers decided that the importance of money is greatly overrated, while the benefits of good mental health are not fully appreciated. One added that, “People do not realize the powerful effect that therapy, such as counselling, can have on improving our wellbeing.”
I've certainly seen how good counselling can benefit people. When I see someone who used to have panic attacks and is now much calmer, or someone who has adjusted to a death and is ready to enjoy life again, or a couple who have gone from fighting to being loving again, I think they feel the amount they spent was worth it. Sometimes they send me nice letters of appreciation afterward because they feel the process was worthwhile.
So when people tell me, “I can’t afford therapy,” I encourage them to consider this research. Most of us want to live happier and healthier lives. You may not be able to arrange to win a lottery or to get a huge pay increase. But you likely CAN afford ten or so therapy sessions, especially when you consider research findings like these. Take the first step now. Call me at 416 406-5147 today for a chat and to set up your first therapy appointment.
