Psychotherapy and social support: unsettling questions

There is an extensive body of research that documents the importance of social support as an independent factor in physical health and longevity. This article reviews published research that addresses the effects of psychotherapy on social connection and social support. The assumption of most psychotherapists that psychotherapy generally improves social connection is unsupported by research data except in very specific diagnostic categories. Evidence that otherwise beneficial psychotherapy can inadvertently damage social connections is also considered. The implications of these findings for further research and current practice are discussed.