Common myths about going to therapy.

Even though our society has become more open to discussing mental health than in previous generations, there are still several widespread misconceptions about therapy that can hinder people from seeking the help they need. In this blog post, I’ll discuss and debunk some of the prevalent myths surrounding therapy.

Myth 1: Only people with serious mental health concerns need therapy

One of the most common misconceptions is the belief that therapy is reserved for individuals with severe mental illnesses. The truth is, therapy is beneficial for a wide range of issues, from everyday stress and relationship challenges to more complex trauma. Seeking therapy is an act of self-care and personal growth, not an indicator of a person’s sanity.

Myth 2: Therapy is only for people who can’t handle their own problems

Therapy is not a sign of weakness but rather a testament to one's strength and resilience. It takes courage to confront and address personal challenges with a professional. Seeking therapy is a proactive step towards personal growth and self-improvement, not an indication that someone is weak.

Myth 3: Therapists have all the answers and tell you what to do

This is a common myth and, honestly, there are some therapists who believe this about themselves (you have full permission to see that red flag and run away). Therapists are not there to dictate your life choices or provide all the answers. Instead, we act as a compassionate guide, helping you explore your thoughts and feelings, gain insights, and determine new paths forward. Therapy is a collaborative process that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their lives.

Myth 4: I’ll have to just talk for an hour every session

Therapy comes in various forms, and not all involve just talking. While traditional talk therapy is valuable, other modalities, such as art therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Side note, I do EMDR in Salt Lake City - read more about it here), and mindfulness-based approaches, can be equally effective. Tailoring the therapeutic approach to the individual's needs ensures a more comprehensive and personalized healing experience.

Myth 5: “I only need X amount of sessions for my concerns”

While we may have an idea of how many sessions we want coming in, the duration of therapy varies for each individual and depends on the nature of the issues being addressed. Some people may benefit from short-term therapy to navigate a specific challenge, while others may find long-term therapy helpful for ongoing support and personal development. While our culture has primed us for immediate results, therapy can often be less straightforward than that. I’d encourage you to start therapy with an open mind about the time-frame.

Myth 6: Therapy is just an expensive venting session

While some therapists may utilize approaches that simply have you “venting” for an hour, most therapists will be inviting you to explore patterns, revisit old memories, or explore new ways of seeing the world. If you feel like you’re only “venting” in your therapy sessions, let your therapist know and see if they’re willing to do anything differently in your sessions!

Myth 7: People will think less of me if I go to therapy

First of all, you don’t owe anyone the information that you’re going to therapy (though I would highly encourage you to tell your partner or other intimate relationships if it’s safe to do so, as keeping therapy as a secret may not go over well). You don’t have to tell your family or coworkers or friends if you don’t want to. Though if you do share with people in your life, chances are that most people will be supportive and, if they aren’t, that’s more of an indication about their own judgmental beliefs than it is about your decision. If someone has a negative reaction, what better place to process your feelings about it than with your therapist? Win-win.

Therapy can be a transformative process for so many people, which is often why it can feel scary! It’s a step into the unknown.

If any of these myths resonated with how you view therapy but you’re still interested in seeking change for yourself, reach out for a free consultation so we can talk about your fears and beliefs about therapy. I’m here to support you along the way.

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Erin Drum, LCSW, is a mental health therapist in Salt Lake City, Utah who provides EMDR and IFS (among other treatments) to help clients find inner peace and acceptance.