The Truth About Therapy

Therapy is so much more than just talking to a mental health professional. In fact, therapy is a way for us all to improve our mental health through a multitude of different methods and tools. Unfortunately, the misconceptions and stigmas surrounding therapy often discourage people from seeking help. If you have reservations about seeing a therapist, continue reading as we debunk common myths about therapy and highlight the benefits therapy may provide you. The truth about therapy is, it may be different than you think! We hope by providing you with a better understanding of therapy, we can break down the barriers that may be stopping you from getting the help you deserve. 

5 Common Myths About Therapy

1. Only “crazy” people go to therapy. If you haven’t lost your mind, or had a nervous breakdown, you don’t need therapy. 
   1. Truth: You don’t have to be “crazy” or even have a diagnosed mental illness to attend therapy. Moreover, the vast majority of therapy clients are seeking help to deal with the effects of long-term or current stressors, deep-rooted trauma, or to change patterns of thinking, feeling, or behaving that are no longer serving them. Truthfully, anyone can improve ineffective thought and behavioral patterns through therapy. Furthermore, most people in therapy are dealing with absolutely normal, everyday problems. 
2. Seeing a therapist means you are weak, or don’t have enough will-power to solve your own problems. 
   1. Truth: You are not weak for seeking help in solving your problems. On the contrary, you are strong and courageous for pursuing real change. Change is difficult and takes practice. A therapist or life coach can act as a guide to help you make desired changes. 
3. Once I start therapy, I have to go forever, costing me a fortune in the long-run. 
   1. Truth: The amount of time you should spend in therapy can differ, depending on what you are trying to get out of the experience. Sure, some people stay in therapy for decades. This may be because they have years worth of work, uncovering and repairing deeply rooted trauma. Therapy is different for everyone because we all have different life experiences that have affected us in different ways. The best way to think about therapy is as a personal investment. Taking care of your well-being will positively impact all other areas of your life, including relationships, health, career, success, and overall life satisfaction. 
4. I’ve tried therapy and it didn’t help. 
   1. Truth: There may be other factors that impact therapy success, including your personal motivation, readiness for change, and the relationship with your therapist. Different therapists have different styles and approaches. You may have a better connection with a different therapist. 
5. The therapist will condescend, interrogate, shame, and blame me, ultimately making me feel worse. 
   1. Maybe you have watched some Dr. Phil and have gotten the idea that therapists pick sides and belittle their clients. This could not be further from the truth. Generally, therapists work to teach people how to have compassion for themselves! Through guiding people to stay curious and remain open-hearted, therapy allows people to learn and feel things about themselves that they might otherwise avoid. Then, clients can work on releasing the constraints and burdens that have kept them from feeling good. 

Therapists Do More Than Listening

Therapy is more than having someone listen to your problems. Therapy is an interactive process built on the relationship between you and your therapist. The first few sessions may be more about you talking and the therapist asking you questions because they are trying to get to know you better, but as the relationship progresses, your therapist will share their own thoughts when helpful. 

Now, this doesn’t mean a therapist will tell you what to do. Rather, a therapist will equip you with skills and tools to better manage and regulate your emotions, feelings, and behaviors. For example, they may introduce you to breathwork practices or how to create meaningful affirmations to yourself in order to build self-esteem. It is then up to you to apply the lessons you learn during a therapy session. Your therapist will act as a support system as you learn to implement new changes and experience new things. Some other areas a therapist can help you with are setting boundaries, maintaining relationships, diving into inner work, and gaining a new perspective. 

Reach Out For Help

Don’t let the stigmas and misinformation surrounding therapy stop you from reaching out for help. The truth about therapy is it’s a wonderful, informative experience that can help you grow and flourish. This is not to say therapy is a quick fix, or that it is always pleasant. However, it is an investment in yourself and your personal well-being that will allow you to reap benefits in many other areas of your life, including overall satisfaction. 

Chriselda Santos, licensed psychotherapist and certified life coach, is passionate about helping clients repair, recover, adopt healthy changes, and thrive. She understands how the demands and pressures placed on our lives can affect the way we function. With a variety of different methods and tools, Chriselda is here to help you cope, reframe your way of thinking, and get back to feeling hopeful again. Chriselda cares deeply about her clients and truly wants the best for you. To book your first session, or to learn more about Chriselda’s offerings, visit her website.