As a clinician in private practice, I’ve observed a common theme: many people believe the myth that therapy is merely a space to talk about an issue and receive advice on how to “fix” problems. Such preconceived notions can prevent us from exploring therapy’s full potential. Instead of fostering curiosity, these misconceptions often act as barriers, keeping us from discovering how therapy might be helpful when we need it. Based on conversations with parents new to therapy, children unsure about how therapy could help them, and friends and family who have specific views about what I do, I’ve compiled a list of common myths about therapy. My hope is to shed light on these preconceptions and demonstrate that therapy can be a hopeful and positive experience, or at the very least, a worthwhile opportunity to explore.
Myth #1: Therapy is Only for People with Serious Issues
Some parents worry that therapy is only for those facing acute problems. This fear can come from a place of personal shame or guilt about what seeking therapy might mean for them or how others might perceive them. It’s normal to feel this way. For some, considering therapy can feel like admitting defeat because they can’t “fix” the issue on their own. A gentler way to view these feelings is to recognize that asking for help is an act of courage. As therapists, we become part of the family system, helping to facilitate positive change. We see challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement, not as failures.
Myth #2: Talking About How You Feel Won’t Change or Fix Anything
I’ve heard this myth most often from pre-teens and teens. They’re going through significant physical and emotional changes and may feel that therapy is just another burden. This myth is based on two misconceptions: that talking is the only thing that happens in therapy, and that therapy is for those who are “broken” and need fixing.
In reality, therapy includes a range of approaches beyond traditional talk therapy. For example:
- Play Therapy: Uses play, a natural form of communication for children, to process behaviors and feelings.
- Dance Therapy: Focuses on movement to express and explore emotions.
- Equestrian Therapy: Harnesses the healing power of horses to foster emotional growth.
- Art Therapy: Utilizes the creative arts to explore and understand emotions and experiences without needing to use words.
These methods exhibit therapy can be much more than just talking. Those who come in believing they need fixing will discover that therapy is about healing through deep listening, empathy, and exploring new ways to understand their behavior and feelings.
#3: I Can Talk to Friends and Family About My Problems; I Don’t Need to Pay Someone for That
Talking to loved ones is valuable, but it’s different from confiding in a trained therapist. Therapists undergo extensive training to not only listen but also identify patterns, symptoms, and underlying issues. We use this information to guide clients toward change, explore recurring behaviors, and develop adaptive coping mechanisms. Moreover, the therapeutic space is crucial because it provides a confidential environment where individuals can feel safe to be vulnerable and share sensitive information. Everything discussed remains private, allowing individuals to express themselves openly without concern that their personal details will be disclosed to others, which is not always guaranteed when sharing with friends and family.
#4: Therapists Just Listen and Give Advice
Many therapists view therapy as a collaborative process rather than just offering advice. Effective therapy involves building a foundation of trust and empathy. While clients may seek advice, therapists often encourage clients to look within themselves for answers, fostering self-discovery rather than providing quick fixes. This approach helps clients develop their own solutions and promotes deeper, more meaningful change.
#5: The More You Talk About Your Problems, the More Problems You Will Find
I remember grappling with this myth when I was just starting out in my counseling career. The idea that talking about personal issues could make things worse worried me. As a newbie, I thought therapy might end up digging up more problems than clients originally came in with, possibly adding to their stress.
But here’s what I’ve learned: therapy is kind of like an iceberg. What we see on the surface are the initial concerns brought in to therapy, but underneath lies a much larger, deeper set of factors. Over time, therapy helps to uncover these deeper layers, and our goal is to address them in a healthy and supportive way. It’s not about piling on more problems, but about understanding and working through what’s really going on beneath the surface.
I hope this blog has clarified some misconceptions about therapy and highlighted its value as a supportive space for growth and healing. If you or your child are considering therapy, please check out my bio page to learn more about how I can support your family. Feel free to contact me at [email protected].
