Debunking 10 Myths About Therapy

Until recently, therapy has been a taboo topic that people rarely talk about with each other. Many older adults do not even like to disclose the fact that they are in therapy because they feel embarrassed or think that others will see them differently. People who do choose to talk about therapy may be misinformed and therefore speak falsely about it. Individuals may be ashamed or even reject therapy altogether because of these incorrect ideologies. Many myths have arisen around therapy because it is not openly discussed and people are not educated on it.

Knowing the truth about therapy is essential instead of defaulting to believe the common lies about it. 

These lies might come from your family members, the media, friends, or ideas you believed in childhood that you never even realized. Below we will bring to light commonly believed myths regarding therapy and debunk them with truths. 

Myth #1 Going to therapy is a sign of weakness

Going to therapy is not a sign of weakness, but is actually a sign of strength. Being able to reach out and ask for help is very difficult, but doing this shows that you are strong and bold. If you are someone who chooses to go to therapy, it shows that you have enough courage to face your fears and challenges in a mature way. Let therapy be something that you are proud of, not ashamed of! 

Myth #2 Only people with severe mental health disorders need therapy

Therapy can benefit anyone. All people, whether they have a severe mental health disorder or have small stressors they want to work out in their lives, can grow from therapy. The purpose of therapy is to help people become their best-functioning selves. It is a safe space to process emotions, challenge yourself, reach goals, and overcome feelings like guilt, stress, or fear. This is something that can be helpful to all people working towards living a more fulfilling life. 

Myth #3 Therapy is too expensive

Many incentives help dramatically lower the price of therapy. These include insurance, which can cover a majority of the cost, superbills, which provide reimbursement, and sliding scales, which offer reduced therapy rates if you cannot afford the full price. There are also cheaper options for therapy like at a university, non-profit organization, or church. If money is an obstacle for you, know that there are many resources in place to help you get therapy at a low cost!

Myth #4 I can do the same thing at therapy with my family or friends

Are your family or friends licensed with degrees in mental health? Of course, having friends and family to talk to is wonderful, but it is very helpful to have conversations with someone who is a professional. Therapists have had years of training and experience learning about mental disorders, thought patterns, and studying people and can therefore offer expertise that a family or friend would not be able to. 

Myth #5 Therapy will not help me 

This is a lie that almost all people who choose not to go to therapy believe. If you do not think therapy will help you, then why would you waste your time going? Research can help refute this myth. According to the APA, therapy has about a 75% success rate, helping individuals improve their emotional state and ability to function. It is incredible how talking to a licensed professional can make such a difference in your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Not to mention other forms of therapy besides talking, like brain stimulation, exposure therapy, and art therapy. 

Myth #6 People will think less of me for going

If you are worried about what others think, be encouraged that there is no way for them to find out you are going to therapy unless you tell them. Therapy is confidential. But, even if they do find out, know that they likely will see you as strong for going to therapy, not weak. Even more, you can be an example to your friends and show them that therapy is not something to be ashamed of. You never know, maybe they will see you going to therapy and in turn, think about starting it for themselves. 

Myth #7 If I start going, I’ll become dependent on it

A therapist’s goal is to never make you dependent on therapy. The duration of therapy can be anywhere between 6 weeks to 2 years, but it is never meant to be life-long. Therapists want to equip you with tools to be able to work through challenges and process emotions on your own. Sessions are meant to make you independent, not more dependent. 

Myth #8 Therapy will be too painful for me

If you have never done therapy before, it is common to be fearful of what thoughts and emotions it might bring up. But remember that the purpose of therapy is to help and serve you–the client. Your therapist will never force you to talk about something. You often get to have more control in the session than you might think. Yes, therapy might be difficult but that is not the same as unbearable pain. A good therapist can help you experience freedom instead of causing you to feel trapped and afraid. 

Myth #9 Therapists will force their beliefs on me

Therapists have been trained to remove any bias they may feel. They have been taught and have practiced to not project their beliefs on other people. Your therapist will likely be one of the most empathetic people you have ever met as they try to put themselves in your shoes and see things from your perspective. If you ever feel like their beliefs are being forced upon you, you can always find a new therapist. 

Myth #10 This is just a phase; it will pass if I can snap out of it 

Sometimes we can’t just “snap out” of something on our own. We might need others to help us when we do not know what to do. What happens if we never just “snap out” of it? Then what? Mental illness is often long-lasting, not just a short period that ends. Starting therapy promptly can help us battle mental illness even better than we would on our own. 

Believing these truths can give you the confidence to get the help you need without feeling insignificant or fearful.

Remember that the world will often try to tell you lies about therapy. It is important that you do not blindly believe these lies, but that you research to figure out the truth. We hope that you have found freedom in these truths and that any hesitancy to start therapy has been diminished. Remember that we have therapists who are happy to work with you, either in person or virtually. Email info@novolifecounseling.com to get connected with a counselor or book a free 15-minute consultation call to talk about your needs and have any questions answered at Get Started — Novo Life Counseling.