Therapy Myths
MARTA SHERSHEN VIA GETTY IMAGES
Therapy is for Crazy People
Aside from the fact that Crazy is not a “trauma informed” term and one that further stigmatizes mental health, this misconception could not be further from the truth. Therapy is for individuals seeking insight into their specific issue, utilizing the assistance of an objective party. Seeking therapy does not mean that you are “crazy” or that anything is “wrong” with you but that you are brave enough to ask for professional help in your self-development.
A Therapist Is Like a Friend You Pay to Listen To You
The therapeutic relationship is a professional one. While your therapist cares significantly for your well-being, they are not your friend. Your counselor has years of required education and various training so that they can utilize specific skills and evidence-based theories to assist in improving your mental health.
A Therapist Will Tell You What To Do
I am a firm believer that the client is the foremost expert on their life. Although you may have encountered a sticking point that you need help navigating around, ultimately, you have been in your life longer than anyone else. You know what has worked for you in the past and what has not. Armed with that information, a therapist can help you identify negative patterns in your life. Therapy is about giving you specific skills to improve your quality of life and aid you in decision-making. Being a therapist is the one job where you are supposed to talk yourself out of a job by empowering the client to use those skills on their own in the real world.
I’ll Be Forced To Take Medication
The decision to take medication is between the client and their primary care physician or psychiatrist. While psychologists, psychiatrists, and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) can all provide talk therapy, an LPC cannot prescribe medications but may be versed in the benefit or disadvantages of commonly used medications.
Therapists Are New Age-y, Touchy-feely, “You are good enough, smart enough, and gosh darn it you’re worth it,” Cheerleader Types.
Well…yea…some of us are, and that may be why your therapist got into the field. However, every good therapist knows that therapy is a custom experience, and the touchy-feely (a therapist will never touch you without a therapeutic reason and your consent) approach may not be for you. While most therapists are encouraging, empowering, and empathetic, we also seek to educate, challenge, and therapeutically confront where appropriate.
I Don’t Need Therapy. I Have Friends
Friends are a big part of the therapeutic process. Outside of the office, you will need the support of family and friends throughout your progression of change. They offer love, support, and wisdom that can be invaluable. However, your friends are not professional and often not objective, as they are invested in your growth as a person. Therapists have years of training and practice in diagnosing and treating cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and relational issues.
Moreover, friendships are reciprocal. Friends often take turns discussing each other’s issues, whereas therapy is all about you. In therapy, you can let it all hang out. You’re more likely to censor yourself with friends, either because you don’t want to hurt their feelings or portray yourself or others in a bad light. While our friends may not have malicious intent while sharing your concerns with others, the bonus of therapy is confidentiality. Therapists are legally mandated to keep your information within the four walls of their office (with a few exceptions).