Counseling Awareness Month: Common Myths About Therapy
Many people could benefit from therapy—but don’t go because of what they think it is. As of 2020, around 10% of adults in the US had seen a therapist in the last twelve months (CDC, 2020). While therapy used to be a taboo topic like politics or finances, mental health support has become increasingly more mainstream thanks to growing awareness of the benefits of therapy and normalization due to social media. However there are still common misconceptions of what actually happens in a therapy session, who should utilize therapy or how much it costs. Let’s break down the most common myths surrounding starting therapy—and what’s actually true.
Myth #1: Therapy is Only for Severe Mental Health Issues
One common myth is that therapy is only for those with serious issues or trauma or that someone has to be in crisis to need to start seeing a therapist. In reality, one of the best times to go to therapy is before the crisis hits.
Therapy is helpful for everyday challenges that everybody will experience in their lifetime:
Daily stress or burnout
Life Changes (relationships, career changes, parenting, moving, loss)
Anxiety / Depression symptoms (you do not need a diagnosis to learn skills to manage symptoms)
Therapy, especially modalities like Cognitive Behavior Therapy, focus on building skills to deal with daily life stressors - identifying unhelpful patterns and implementing effective coping skills.
While many people believe the myth that things need to be overwhelming or falling apart to go to therapy, the best time to get help is before you are in crisis.
Myth #2: Talking to Friends is the Same as Therapy
Connection and vulnerability with friends and loved ones is an amazing way to find support for life’s challenges, but talking with friends is different than engaging in therapy.
Therapists are licensed professionals with years of education and experience, held to ethical standards and best practices
Therapists use evidenced-based techniques (CBT therapy is highly evidenced-based and uses research backed practices known to improve well-being)
Therapists are unbiased and non-judgmental (while friends care, their opinions and biases sometimes do more harm than good)
Therapy is a structured process, not a vent session, led by a professional with years of training for clients to gain insight, set goals and change thoughts and behavior for the better.
Loved ones are supportive and caring - but therapy is designed for growth and change. In fact, sometimes friends can be too validating and supportive and not ask the tough questions that are important for insight and growth.
Myth #3: Therapy Takes Years to Work
Many people think committing to therapy means you are committing to years of weekly sessions, however, using evidenced practices like CBT, clients can see improvement in a few sessions.
CBT is short-term and goal oriented (a typical range for a client with focused goals is 8-20 sessions)
Therapy is focused on building skills to see measurable progress
Many people believe therapists simply listen while clients talk things out on their own time, but in structured practices like CBT, clients and therapists partner to set goals, build skills and manage symptoms. The goal of a good therapist is to help the client not need them one day!
Myth #4: Going to Therapy Means You are Weak
Over the years one stigma around therapy has stuck around - that going to therapy means you are weak. We go to the doctor when we are physically unwell, seek out teachers when we want to learn new skills for a hobby, or find coaches to help us improve in business or sports - but some of us still do not seek out therapy to support our mental health.
Therapy requires vulnerability and willingness to ask for help (it does not have to be a last ditch effort)
Therapy leads to stronger relationships with yourself and others
Therapy shows you do not have to suffer alone
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Therapists are like coaches, doctors and teachers and in fact, overlap with all of these roles.
Myth #5: I Can Just Use AI as My Therapist
AI is a powerful tool for research and for support. In fact, many people find AI to be extremely compassionate and supportive when discussing their problems in life. Where AI can fail is in challenging people to look at their own impact on the situation or in challenging their negative thoughts. AI tends to skew towards validation rather than pointing out someone’s dysfunctional thoughts or behaviors. AI also generally lacks the background that therapists have and does not provide a real human connection. AI is no substitute for therapy or for real human connection.
The Reality—Therapy Is Practical, Supportive, and Effective
Therapy has a multitude of benefits including increased mental and emotional well-being which leads to improved physical health and life satisfaction.
Therapy is skills-based, backed by research
Therapists are professionals who help clients implement real change to manage symptoms
Therapy is personalized to each client and flexible to their needs
Therapists can recognize and challenge client’s dysfunctional thoughts in a way AI generally does not
Benefits include increased self-esteem and self-efficacy, emotional regulation and improved relationships
Myths around therapy are common but give an inaccurate view of what therapy really entails. If you are interested in how therapy could benefit you, schedule a consultation call with a therapist or peruse websites of therapists - do not let hesitation stop you from seeking help.
The hardest part of engaging in therapy is making the first call, but it can lead to a life changing impact.
Interested in learning more about how you could benefit from therapy? Submit the contact form below and you can schedule a call with our office to see which of our therapists is the best fit for you.