Dianetics vs. Psychotherapy: An Evidence-Based Comparison

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy or counseling) is a structured process where you work with a trained mental health professional to understand and change patterns of thinking and behavior that cause distress. According to the American Psychological Association, unlike medication, which changes brain chemistry, therapy teaches you skills to manage your mental health.

In South Africa, psychotherapy is offered by registered psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors. Sessions typically cost between R800-R1,380 per session, and most medical aid schemes cover 70-100% of costs under Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) for mental health conditions.

Types of Psychotherapy

There are several types of psychotherapy available in South Africa. Here are the most common:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is the most researched and widely used therapy for anxiety and depression. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT is typically short-term (8-20 sessions) and has strong scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness.

2. Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy explores how past experiences and unconscious thoughts influence current behavior. It's typically longer-term than CBT and focuses on understanding the root causes of your distress.

3. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

IPT focuses on improving your relationships and social functioning. It's particularly effective for depression related to relationship problems, grief, or major life transitions.

4. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a specialized form of CBT that focuses on emotional regulation and distress tolerance. It's particularly effective for borderline personality disorder and chronic suicidal ideation.

5. Humanistic/Person-Centered Therapy

This approach focuses on self-exploration and personal growth. The therapist provides a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can explore your feelings and find your own solutions.

What is Dianetics?

Dianetics is a set of ideas and practices developed by L. Ron Hubbard in 1950 and detailed in his book "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health". According to Dianetics, your mind has two parts: the analytical mind (rational, conscious) and the reactive mind (stores painful memories and trauma). These painful memories, called "engrams," are said to cause mental distress, anxiety, depression, and other problems.

Dianetics uses a process called "auditing" to locate and remove these engrams. During auditing, you work with a trained auditor who asks you questions while you hold two metal cylinders connected to an E-meter (a device that measures electrical resistance in your body). The goal is to find and process traumatic memories until they no longer affect you.

Unlike therapy, which teaches skills, Dianetics claims to permanently remove the source of your mental distress. The cost is significantly higher—typically varies based on individual needs for a complete course of auditing—but proponents say it's a one-time investment with permanent results.

Comparing Therapy and Dianetics

Scientific Evidence for Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, particularly CBT, is one of the most extensively researched mental health treatments. Here's what the evidence shows:

For Anxiety

A 2012 meta-analysis published in Clinical Psychology Review analyzed 269 studies with over 20,000 participants. The researchers found that CBT had medium to large effect sizes for treating anxiety disorders, with effects lasting long after treatment ended. CBT was effective for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, and specific phobias.

For Depression

A 2018 meta-analysis in World Psychiatry reviewed 5,500+ studies on psychotherapy for depression. The researchers found that CBT, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy all showed significant effectiveness, with 60-70% of patients experiencing significant improvement^[11]. Importantly, therapy had lower relapse rates than medication because patients learned skills they could continue using after treatment ended.

Long-Term Outcomes

Follow-up studies show that the benefits of therapy persist long after treatment ends. A 2014 study found that patients who completed CBT had significantly lower relapse rates than those who only took medication, because they learned coping skills they could use for life.

Cost Comparison

Cost is an important factor when choosing a mental health treatment. Here's how therapy and Dianetics compare:

Therapy Costs in South Africa

• Psychologist: R800-R1,380 per session
• Psychiatrist: R1,200-R2,500 per session
• Typical course: 8-20 sessions = R13,500-R20,700 total
• Medical aid coverage: 70-100% covered under PMBs for 21 listed conditions
• Annual limits: Most schemes cover 15-20 sessions per year

Dianetics Costs in South Africa

• Initial book: R300-R500 (Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health)
• Auditing sessions: varies based on individual needs (contact for pricing or see the Professional Dianetics Auditor directory)
• Duration: Varies by individual (weeks to months)
• Maintenance: None claimed—results said to be permanent
• Medical aid: Not covered by medical schemes

With medical aid coverage, therapy typically costs R10,000-R20,000 over 5 years (including co-payments). Dianetics is a one-time investment of varies based on individual needs with no medical aid support.

Which Approach is Right for You?

The choice between therapy and Dianetics depends on your goals, budget, and preference for evidence-based vs. anecdotal approaches.

Choose Therapy If:

• You want a treatment with strong scientific evidence (5,500+ studies)
• You want to learn skills that will last beyond treatment
• Your medical aid covers 70-100% of costs
• You prefer a treatment accepted by mainstream medical professionals
• You want lower relapse rates compared to medication alone

Choose Dianetics If:

• You want to address the root cause of your mental distress, not just symptoms
• You're willing to invest varies based on individual needs upfront for claimed permanent results
• You're comfortable with a treatment based on anecdotal success stories
• You want a finite process with a clear endpoint
• You're looking for an alternative to the medical model of mental health

Next Steps

If you're interested in therapy, consult your GP for a referral to a registered psychologist or psychiatrist. If you're curious about Dianetics, start by reading the book and visiting a local Dianetics center to learn more.

Ready to try Dianetics? You can get the Dianetics book delivered anywhere in South Africa for R400 with free shipping. The book explains exactly how to locate and erase the engrams causing your mental health challenges.

If you prefer working with a trained practitioner, Dianetics auditing services provide one-on-one guidance through the process.

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Written by

Tony Peacock

Humanitarian & Mental Health Research Advocate

Published: 2024 • Updated: November 2025

Tony is an Australian who moved to South Africa and made it his home. At 25, he overcame drug and alcohol addiction through Dianetics after trying alternative healing approaches. He served as Church staff in Australia for 12 years before moving to SA in 2022. As a humanitarian and philanthropist, he has made significant contributions to mental health infrastructure across Southern Africa. His mission: help the able become more able using technology that makes people causative.