Myths about Psychotherapy

Hint: It’s more helpful than you think!

One of the main reasons people avoid going to therapy is because they don’t know what to expect and they can’t imagine how “talking to a stranger” will really help. The truth is, when we don’t know what to expect, the unknown can be paralyzing and scary… sometimes it seems that talking to someone about what is happening seems worse then staying on your current path. Myths of therapy abound, which compound an already scary situation. Fortunately, therapy is not as daunting as you might imagine! Here are some myths about therapy to help you have a more realistic expectation of what it might be like… who knows, you may want to try it after all.

Myth 1: Therapy is like medication
If therapy was like medication, then taking a pill would be easier. However, it is different than medication. For starters (and my tongue-in-cheek response), is there are no drug side effects. Phew! You can try therapy without any risks. My more serious answer is that the effects of therapy last longer than the effects of medication. Medication works while you are on it and those benefits can end when you stop taking the medication. With therapy, you can achieve more permanent changes that remain long after you have ended therapy. Think of therapy as an organic/natural way to handling your mental health needs! The goal in therapy is to heal past experiences and find tools to navigate new life situations. And my goal is to help you build up these tools to last so that these skills can be used throughout your life.
As an aside, I do strongly believe that medication is a worthwhile discussion to have depending on your symptoms and needs. Furthermore, research shows that medication and therapy together can be the most optimal response. Taking into account your comfort level with taking medication, it can be an important conversation to have with your therapist. With my clients, I am happy to talk about this and offer a list of referrals should you want or need a medication assessment.

Myth 2: Therapy is like talking to a friend
Friends are an invaluable part of life and are often an important part in helping people get through tough situations. However, therapists are specially trained to be able to notice trends in thinking, behavior patterns, and interpersonal relationships that can be negatively impacting your life. A therapist has nothing to gain from trying to “be nice” or “say the right thing.” In fact, a therapist has more to gain by bringing up topics that others generally avoid. The art of therapy is helping you discover something that may be uncomfortable, but in a way that you can tolerate it. A trained professional can help you can change intrusive behaviors or thoughts, not only give advice like a friends do. Though being connected to others is often a part of treatment plans, speaking to someone who is clinically trained and has knowledge of therapeutic research provides a strong resource to tackle mental health issues.

Myth 3: Therapy is only for people in dire straights
Psychotherapy can often emerge as a solution for people, families, couples, or children in crisis situations. Though completely valid and common, therapy is not just for those who are in heightened pain. Rather, therapy can be sought for people who are interested in exploring themselves further (e.g., “Why do I do what I do?”, “Why do I keep feeling this way?”). Often, people who seek therapy in preparation of a big life event such as moving, birth of a child, or marriage, can develop coping skills and insight into themselves that prove to be helpful and reduce anticipatory anxiety. Either way, your therapist will not judge your reasons for seeking therapy; rather, attending therapy shows a sign of great strength in character! I am always in awe of the courage it takes to pick up the phone and choose to take a closer look at your life and make some changes.

Myth 4: Therapy is time consuming
When thinking of therapy, often people think of the classic Freudian image: a therapist sitting behind a client who is lying on the couch… not any more! Therapy has adapted into a process that requires work and effort on the part of the therapist and client, but it needn’t last years to get help, relief and insight. And yes, in my office, we face each other! Also gone are the days of endless hours of therapy. Often, people find that coming into therapy once a week for 2-4 months satisfies their emotional distress. Research on the length of therapy also supports the idea of short-term therapy.
I choose to best maximize clients’ time by coming up with goals in between sessions. It’s never meant to add more to your plate, but rather optimize what you can get out of therapy to make the changes you want to have. During the course of therapy, we collaborate on the amount of time you come in based on your needs.

Interested in hearing about more myths?

Is therapy about blaming your parents? Or is it about brainwashing? Or is supposed to help right away?

Read this great article for more myths about therapy.

If something sparked your interest, feel free call or email me to learn more about how therapy with me may be right for you!