As therapy has become less stigmatized and more popular, with entire TV shows about it (@ shrinking!!), there are a lot of ideas circulating about what therapy is and what it is not. Misconceptions can prevent people from reaching out, perhaps leading to the idea that therapy just isn’t for me or it just doesn’t work. Let’s break down some of these myths.

Myth #1: Therapy is only for people who are weak or who have serious mental illnesses.

The Truth: Attending therapy is not a sign of weakness, but rather one of strength and the purpose of therapy can widely vary beyond significant illnesses.

You may feel a bit down for a few weeks and you’re not sure why. Or perhaps you went through a transition, like a new job or a big move. You aren’t experiencing a significant mental illness, but therapy can still be massively helpful. Your therapist will provide a safe space to process reasons you may have been feeling just a bit melancholy and brainstorm ways to return to your old self. Or if you’re experiencing a shift in identity or circumstances, your therapist may help you grieve your old role and find ways to fully embrace your new identity/experience.

In some social circles or demographics, attending therapy is seen as a sign of weakness. This line of thinking may propose, “Why can’t you just fix your own problem, why do you have to pay someone to listen?” I’d like to propose that choosing to begin therapy is a way to assertively address issues, not symbolizing weakness, but rather strength and bravery to address things head on.

Myth #2: Therapy is just venting and talking about your feelings.

The Truth: Therapy involves empirically supported techniques for change.

Some people believe that therapy is just paying someone to listen. And sometimes that’s kind of true: a large amount of the work is done through the client processing out loud and the therapist simply listening. However, that is certainly not all therapy is. Decades of research have been committed to investigating theories of change, theories of human behavior and decision making, and theories of well-being. Your therapist is well educated in how to best help you and address your therapy goals.

Myth #3: If I have good friends and family, I shouldn’t need therapy.

The Truth: Support systems are important, but therapy offers something very different.

A good talk with a trusted friend can certainly be therapeutic. You may feel better after voicing your thoughts to them and they may even offer some helpful advice. When one of my client’s well-being is low, one of the first things I ask them to prioritize is seeking out social support. But seeking out social support and seeking out professional therapeutic help are two very different things. A therapist is trained to be a non judgemental, attuned, third party to help you address goals. The therapy space also provides confidentiality, a level of privacy that personal relationships simply cannot offer. In therapy, you are safe to voice vulnerable thoughts, without fear of judgement or gossip. The therapy space is also dedicated to you and your goals, whether that’s addressing trauma or deep self-exploration. Friends will care and empathize with you, but a therapist can guide you through a structured process of healing.

Reach Out

Therapy is often misunderstood and these myths can be barriers to people seeking out help they may need. Actions outside of therapy can make a world of a difference in one’s well-being. Talking to friends and family, spending time outside, moving your body, finding purpose and meaning are all powerful tools in developing and strengthening well-being. AND therapy is often such an important tool to identify the actions that will strengthen well-being and lead to deeper emotional health.

If you’ve ever hesitated to seek out therapy due to a therapy myth, I would encourage you to give it a try, giving yourself the chance to grow and learn. If you’re curious about how therapy could benefit you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.