We all tell lies, it is part of human nature.  Sometimes we need to protect ourselves, and that is a good thing.  I’ve always told my children that the truth will get them into less trouble, and sometimes, as long as I stick to my word, they do confess.  But lying to your therapist is like cheating on a diet or plagiarizing a university essay and getting a high distinction. It is self-defeating behaviour and the only person who loses out is you.  But why do we do it?  What purpose does it fulfil? 

When you trip over and hurt yourself the narcissistic mother will sneer in a condescending voice, “Get up, you’re embarrassing me,” and the therapist would say in a tender dulcet tone, “Have you hurt yourself, can I give you a hand?”

While it’s a no-brainer that many people seek therapy for childhood psychological injuries, what is it about therapy that actually heals?  What therapy works best, CBT, DBT, Gestalt, REBT or supportive psychotherapy?  Do the therapist’s educational qualifications have any bearing on outcome?  Do male or female therapists heal clients quicker?  Or is it the person of the therapist who connects with the client that has the ultimate healing power?