There are a lot of myths about therapy that aren’t actually true! If what you know about therapy comes from what you’ve seen on TV or what you’ve read in all kinds of magazines, then you might have some misguided notions about what’s going on in a therapist’s office. There are a lot of myths about therapy that persist despite the amount of information anyone can access on this topic. These misunderstandings can prevent people from seeking help with issues that are not allowing them to be happy and to enjoy all the beautiful things around them. Here are some of the most popular myths about psychotherapy that aren’t true that give this profession a bad name:
In my opinion, this is definitely one of the most common myths about therapy that couldn’t be more false. Seeking help when you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the problems you have to face on a daily basis does not make you crazy and it definitely doesn’t mean that you’re weak. Everyone goes through difficult times at some point in their lives and that’s why they go to therapy to solve their issues. It doesn’t mean that you have to be diagnosed with a mental illness to seek help.
This statement couldn’t be more false! The therapist is there to help you face your problems and solve them, so they won't bother you anymore. The goal of a successful therapy is to help the client gain personal insight and to help them feel so good they reach a point they no longer need a therapist.
Even though therapy can be pretty costly in some countries, that doesn’t mean that therapists are all about the money. I believe Ryan Howes, Ph.D, a clinical psychologist in Pasadena, CA, couldn’t have said it better: “Therapists who thrive in this work have a deep respect for humanity and aren’t driven by the almighty dollar.”.
Therapy is not like having a paid friend, no matter what some people might tell you. A good therapist will help you gain insight. They will help you understand your mind better, they will tell you things that your friends might not dare tell you and they have the expertise to do it.
Noah Rubinstein, founder and CEO of therapist directory GoodTherapy.org says that “This is something that comes directly out of Dr. Phil. Therapists are portrayed like Dr. Phil and he blames, shames and confronts his clients -- this is not how therapy works,". Actually, therapy is about compassion and about helping clients discover their inner strengths in order to confront and overcome their deepest fears.
Not all problems can be solved using medication. Even though medication really helps people feel better when they are struggling with all kind of problems, sometimes this is just not enough to change your life for the better. For example, emotional stress can’t be solved using medication and that’s why it’s best to seek the help of a certified psychotherapist.
Therapy will not make your painful problems worse. Even though you have to discuss some issues that will not make you feel too good or too comfortable, you need to do it to solve your problems. "Good therapists guide their clients through painful experiences, but in a way that is safe and not overwhelming." says Noah Rubinstein and he couldn’t be more right.
Even though therapy might bring up some bad memories and painful issues, you shouldn’t be afraid. The therapist is there to help you confront your fears so you are able to grow stronger. Have you ever been to therapy? Did it help you in any way? Do you know any other popular myths about therapy that aren’t true? Please tell us about them in the comments section!
Sources:
psychcentral.com
huffingtonpost.ca
apa.org
livinggroovecounseling.com