There are common therapy myths that need to be addressed – Let’s Set the Record Straight!
Therapy is a misunderstood word and concept. Not because it is ineffective or not working – but because we tell ourselves that it is. Perhaps you heard it saying that it makes a bad situation worse. Maybe it’s only for “crazy” people that need it. Or you might think that with one session it is all going to change – or nothing will.
Let’s debunk the top 10 therapy myths I hear people have when they’re thinking about getting therapy.
Myth #1: “Therapy Means Something is Wrong With Me”
Myth #1 is that “Therapy means that something is wrong with me.
This is the large one! Therapy has been presented in terms of “when you’re broken, you need therapy.Therapy = “when you are broken, you should go to therapy. But, that’s not the case.
Consider therapy as doing as you do in a gym. It doesn’t matter if you are out of shape, you can still get benefits from a trainer. A fit person can train with a trainer to become stronger, faster and more efficient. Likewise, people attend therapy for a variety of reasons; they may be grieving, seeking to learn more about patterns in their relationships, they may be experiencing a career change, they may want to work through some childhood issues, they may be suffering from anxiety.
Therapy is NOT about being “sick. It’s the human thing to do, it’s the desire to get to know oneself better.
These are common misconceptions about therapy.
Myth #2: “Therapy Just Means Talking About Your Feelings”
This is a picture of a couch and a therapist who’s in silence, listening, and talking about childhood. This is not the way therapy is done these days.
The one that I use is active and collaborative (RE-CBT). Not only are we circulating emotions – we are exploring thoughts and beliefs that drive those emotions. We’re exploring patterns. We’re creating tools that are going to be useful. You come out of a session with new understanding and often some steps you can take.
Therapy involves understanding how you think you feel, then you have options for how you can respond.
Myth #3: “One Session Will Fix Everything”
Hopefully this is the case. But, change doesn’t come in a timeline.
Therapy is an ongoing process. You’ve been developing the patterns you have for years – the pattern you have in your head – your pattern of thinking about you, your pattern of thinking about your relationships, your pattern of thinking about your stress. Those needs to be unraveled and it takes time. After 4-6 sessions, most people will begin to see changes. Real changes are seen after working regularly for 3-6 months.
However, there’s no magic number. Others find 10 sessions to be sufficient. Others provide service for one year. That depends upon the kind of work that you are doing.
This is one of the important therapy facts people should understand.
Myth #4: “Therapists Will Judge Me”
It is a commonly asked question; particularly in an Indian family where there are certain subjects that are taboo: sex, money problems, family issues, depression.
It’s not like I haven’t heard it all before! I don’t hear anything you have to say that surprises or embarrasses me. I’m not here to make judgments, I’m here to understand. It’s possible for people to be honest without judgement about what is going on in their life.
It’s in the honesty where change begins.
Myth #5: “Therapy Means You’re Weak or Can’t Handle Life”
Well, no; it’s the other way around. It’s courageous to ask for help. It requires you to have a clear examination of yourself and a commitment to development.
There are some of the strongest people I know that are in therapy. They don’t have an accident, they’re sort of intentional in their wellbeing.
Myth #6: “Therapy is Only for Young People / Only for Severe Problems / Only for Relationship Issues”
Everyone can benefit from therapy! You may be a CEO with perfectionism, a parent adjusting to new family dynamics, a young professional who is overworked with digital stimulation, or a retired person who is adjusting to his or her life without work.
Therapy is not only for those times of crisis (although it is helpful during those times). It’s designed for those who wish to know more about themselves and their lives.
The Real Facts About Therapy:
- It is effective: Therapy has been proven to help with anxiety, depression, relationship problems and all sorts of issues. Not magical, but because having someone who knows what to look for in a way that you don’t will certainly bring about a change in you.
- It is not weakness, it is wisdom: Don’t attempt to fix your own car when you don’t know how. How is it that one has to deal with complicated emotional issues on one’s own?
- It’s not costly if you compare it: Yes, there are costs involved with therapy. As does remaining stuck – in missed opportunity, a relationship that just doesn’t work, health issues stress brings. It’s worthwhile to know yourself.
- ✓ You’re in control: It’s up to you to choose what to speak about. Pausing and stopping at any time is OK. You set the pace.
These are important therapy effectiveness insights people often overlook.
Key Takeaway:
Therapy is not about being broken, weak or “sick”! It’s more about living more conscious and being human. It’s a journey that’s about getting to know yourself: your patterns, your beliefs, your relationships, and more options in how you respond to life.
That’s not a weakness. That’s wisdom.
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