I can't believe I'm here. Out in the world, one hears these same two extreme positions. And, yes, there are many incompetent therapists doing business and that doesn't help things. The purpose of this site is to provide some clear and accessible information.
Bookstores seem to stock little on the subject.
There are large psychology and self-help sections, but not much clear explanation of psychotherapy itself. Consumers have become informed and empowered in many areas, and the same should be true of this important subject. Instead, there remains a rather pronounced lack of understanding of what psychotherapy is, how it works, what it can do. The result is continued suffering, and more wasted time and money. At its best, psychotherapy is a rewarding, productive, and exciting experience.