12 Therapy Myths Debunked by an Actual Therapist

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I’ve heard every excuse in the book for why therapy isn’t for someone and why to not go. I’ve even contemplated and used them myself. Let’s talk about them

The Myths:

1. Myth: Therapy is only for “weak” people with serious mental illnesses

   • Reality: Anyone and Everyone can benefit from therapy. Therapy is widely used for day-to-day stress, relationships, and personal growth. Therapy can help you leave the situationship that you just can’t seem to get out of, find the confidence you once had, support you in starting that new business, or even help with the big move you just made.

2. Myth: Therapy is just talking and doesn’t actually produce result

   • Reality: You definitely will be talking in therapy. However it does depend on your therapist, your connection to each other, and their approach (theoretical orientation) to therapy. If you’re someone who wants to have more behavioral conversations I’d lean toward a therapist who uses CBT, REBT, solution-focused, EMDR, brain spotting, or motivational interviewing therapy. Keep in mind to go deep and make real changes takes time. Have patience and know that if you genuinely and consistently show up, change does happen.

3. Myth: Therapists only listen and give advice

   • Reality: Therapists are taught in school how to structure time spent with a client, what questions to ask, when they’re asked, and how to ask. While you are talking, your therapist is actively listening in order to structure the session to move you toward your goals, whether you recognize it in the moment or not. It is truly a collaborative effort. Also, never underestimate the power of a good rant and vent sesh.

4. Myth: Therapy isn’t worth the money, and is an expensive luxury

   • Reality: Therapy can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Go through your insurance, and if a therapist is out of network, see if your insurance company will reimburse you. Ask the therapist if they have a sliding scale option available. You can also work with a student intern or a less experienced therapist. Don’t underestimate what you could get out of those sessions. Sometimes your mental health gets to a point where you can’t afford to not go.

5. Myth: Therapy should work quickly or else it’s not working and not worth it

   • Reality: Each person and the issue they bring to therapy varies. Progress is nonlinear. Some issues require more time spent. If you approach therapy with some patience, you’ll look and notice how much you’ve changed over time.

6. Myth: My story is too crazy or intense to share with a therapist

   • Reality: At the end of the day, therapists are human. Sometimes what is shared can be shocking. At the same time, we hear so many things so often, our grid is simply just different, and our capacity tends to be much larger. We become more desensitized. When in session, it’s far more often that we feel empathy for the individual, and are genuinely motivated to understand them and help them towards their goal of healing.

7. Myth: I’m mentally strong and can fix my problems on my own

   • Reality: Support improves outcomes and resilience. You’ll get to your desired result with some specialized help.

8. Myth: Talking about problems makes them worse

   • Reality: Processing helps reduce distress over time, provides insight, and often makes the problem better. As a giver and receiver of therapy, there has never been a moment where talking about a problem made it worse

9. Myth: Once therapy starts, it never stops

   • Reality: In therapy you’ll learn coping skills and your problems will improve. Some people find regular therapy sessions comforting, but that is not for everyone. Therapy is for different seasons of your life, not for always and forever. If you have a more severe diagnosis, regular ongoing therapy is encouraged.

10. Myth: Mental illness is a choice or mindset problem

    • Reality: If people could choose not to have mental health issues they would, but it’s most definitely not that easy. There are many things that contribute to mental health challenges such as environmental factors, genetic makeup, and trauma.

11. Myth: Good mental health = constant happiness

    • Reality: Never-ending happiness is unrealistic. Therapy builds resilience, grows your ability to regulate, and function in spite of challenging circumstances. The truth is you will continue to experience life stressors that will affect you and bring you down. The difference is you’ll have tools and understanding you didn’t have all the other times before

12. Myth: Quick online advice is reliable mental health care

    • Reality: Online/AI advice can you give in the moment practical tips. True therapy is nuanced, needs context, and factors in other challenges that are also affecting your mental health.

Overall therapy is a great tool. It can most definitely feel overwhelming at the onset and often times like too big of a step to make. Even myself, being a therapist, have believed these same myths about my own personal therapy journey. “Is it really necessary?” “Can’t I just talk to my friends?” “Therapy isn’t worth the money.” When I wasn’t seeking therapy for my own issues, therapy felt like a too difficult mountain to face. I’m glad I finally put my walls down and started therapy. Without therapy I would have never experienced the healing I have gained today. With therapy I’m able to understand my past and how I allow it to affect me today. With therapy I’m able to better face tomorrow.

Still on the fence? That’s what a free consultation is for. Let’s talk.