Therapy is proven to be a powerful resource for individuals seeking healing, growth, and wellness. Still, there are several myths and misconceptions surrounding therapy and mental health therapists. These myths can deter people from seeking help and place judgment on those who see a therapist. In this blog post, we'll debunk a few common therapy myths and provide insight into the truth about therapy.
Myth #1: "A therapist will give you advice."
Therapists are there to guide and support you, not give you all of the answers. Therapists are experts in therapy, but you are the expert of yourself and your life. A therapist will help you explore your thoughts, process your feelings, and feel empowered to make your own decisions.
Myth #2: "Therapy is for weak people."
Seeking therapy is a sign of strength. It takes a lot of vulnerability and strength to show up to therapy. It can be incredibly difficult to face yourself and process your feelings, and it takes courage to confront your challenges and work on yourself. Growth is not an easy process. It can be a strenuous journey that brings up some painful feelings. We are social creatures; we are not meant to handle everything on our own.
Myth #3: "A therapist might judge me."
As a human, we all carry around feelings of guilt or shame about certain thoughts, behaviors, or experiences. It’s normal to have fear that someone might judge you, especially if you’ve experienced judgment from others before. Your therapist is a trained professional committed to providing a safe, nonjudgmental space. They can help you to explore these feelings and work with you to process them, so you can be kinder and more compassionate to yourself.
Myth #4: "Therapy is only for people with serious mental health concerns."
Therapy can help people with a wide range of concerns from everyday stressors to childhood trauma. It is not only for individuals with severe mental health symptoms; many people come to therapy to address life stressors such as relationship issues, work-related stress, or grief. Therapy can help you to process your emotions, develop assertiveness skills, set boundaries, improve your relationships with others, and receive support. Every person struggles in their life, and therapy is a valuable resource that can benefit anyone.
Myth #5: "Only psychologists are trained to diagnosis and treat certain mental illnesses."
Master’s level therapists are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. They can specialize in a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, personality disorders, and addiction. Therapists complete 2.5-3 years of graduate school with courses such as diagnosis, assessment, trauma, substance abuse, and counseling skills. They also undergo an entire year of practicum and internship in graduate school under the supervision of psychologists and licensed therapists. Following graduation, therapists must complete 2-6 years of registered internship to improve their skills, specialize further, and receive supervision before becoming licensed.
Myth #6: "Therapy is just talking."
While therapy does involve talking, it is a more purposeful and guided process to help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Therapy can help you see patterns in your life, increase self awareness, process painful emotions, and feel more confident in yourself. Your therapist will ask you certain questions to increase your insight and help you explore your thoughts and feelings. Your therapist may also teach you coping skills to regulate your emotions in a healthy way.
Even today, there are still many misconceptions around therapy and therapists. By dispelling these myths and learning the truth about therapy, I hope to encourage you to seek the help you deserve. Therapy can be a transformative journey of healing and growth. If you're ready to start therapy in Gainesville, FL, I support self-critical, anxious teens and adults who want to better understand themselves and their past to live more fulfilling, balanced lives. (Learn more about me!) I offer free 15 minute consultations to all prospective clients to see if we'd be a good fit. Feel free to give me a call or text at 352-649-3876 or fill out the contact form.