8 common myths about therapy

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Therapy myths debunked

Therapy can be a valuable and effective tool for addressing mental health concerns, improving well-being, and promoting personal growth. However, there are several myths and misconceptions about therapy that can prevent individuals from seeking help or benefiting from the process.  By dispelling these common myths, you can better understand the benefits of seeking support from a therapist and feel more empowered to prioritise your mental health and well-being.  Read on, as we explore 8 common myths about therapy:

1. Myth:  Counselling is for weak people

This is not true.  Seeking help is a sign of strength.  Counselling can help you put your life back on track, and getting help can prevent difficulties building up.

2.  Myth: Only “crazy” or mentally ill people go to therapy

Therapy is for anyone who is seeking support, guidance, and personal growth. It is not limited to those with severe mental health issues. Many people seek therapy to cope with life stressors, improve relationships, enhance self-awareness, and work through personal challenges.

3. Myth:  Therapy is about talking through my childhood

A therapist will ask you for some background information, but the focus will usually be on how you feel now, except where childhood events are clearly linked to your current difficulties.

4. Myth:  I will be able to offload on someone

Counselling is about learning to understand your feelings and make changes.  It is not just about getting problems off your chest.

5. Myth:  Therapists sit behind desks taking notes while you lie on a couch

This is rarely the case. The typical therapeutic setting is much like your living room where both parties sit in comfortable chairs without barriers between them.

Good therapists often ask if the distance is comfortable and refrain from taking notes until so they can be present with clients.

6. Myth: Therapy is only for people with serious problems

Therapy can be beneficial for individuals dealing with a wide range of issues, from everyday stress and relationship conflicts to more serious mental health conditions. Seeking therapy does not mean that a person’s problems are insurmountable or severe; it simply means they are seeking support and guidance.

5. Myth:  Going to therapy means that I need to take medication

Although taking medication alongside therapy can work well, therapy can be just as helpful to people who do not need or want to take medication.

6. Myth:  Psychotherapists and clients become best friends

There is no basis in the myth often seen in literature that you pay a psychotherapist to be nice to you and care for you.

The therapeutic relationship is a psychologically intimate but strictly professional one. It’s the therapist’s absolute commitment and requirement of ethics and law that the relationship is limited to counselling sessions and necessary email, phone, or text contacts.  A good therapist can help you move forwards with your life and support you to improve your mental health.

7.  Myth: Therapists have all the answers and will tell you what to do

Therapists are trained to guide and support individuals in exploring their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. They do not have all the answers but can help clients gain insight, develop coping strategies, and make positive changes in their lives. Therapy is a collaborative process, and the client plays an active role in their own healing and growth.

8.  Myth: Therapy is a quick fix

Therapy is a process that takes time, effort, and commitment. Real change and growth often require consistent effort, practice, and reflection. It is important to be patient with yourself and the therapeutic process as you work towards your goals.

What are the benefits of going to therapy? 

Therapy can help you to:

  • Regain well-being and a sense of balance in your life
  • Improve communication and problem solving skills
  • Develop greater self confidence
  • Maintain relationships
  • Set healthy boundaries
  • Learn assertiveness
  • Increase self awareness
  • Improve self esteem and confidence

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How can counselling help my mental health?  

Going to counselling can help you:

  • Gain a different perspective on problems and issues.
  • Explore your problems in a safe, non-judgemental and respectful environment.
  • Cope better with a change in your life, for example, divorce, changing career, moving house, retiring, having a baby and so on.
  • Move through a range of difficulties, for example. bereavement, loss, grief, and trauma.
  • Develop coping strategies for managing mild to moderate psychological difficulties, for example anger, anxiety, depression, work-related stress, phobia’s, family conflict, relationship difficulties and more.

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Book therapy session

If you have any questions or would like to find out about how counselling could help you improve your health and well-being, Frances Rayner at Dove Counselling in Plymouth offers a FREE 15- minute initial consultation, with no obligation to book.

Tel:  07940 865994

Email:  frances@dovecounselling.co.uk

To find out more or book a FREE 15-minute phone consultation, please telephone 0740 865994 or send a message using the contact form.