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4 Common Misconceptions About Therapy

February 17, 2023 By M Wilbur

Everyone needs a little help sometimes — whether for yourself, your child or your relationship. This can leave you feeling stressed, frustrated, desperate or even hopeless. Don’t let misconceptions stand in the way of getting help. Luckily reaching out for help and seeking support from a therapist or counselor is not as much of a taboo subject as it has been in the past.

Yet there are still many misconception floating around about therapy that keep people from experiencing it’s life-changing benefits.

On that note, let’s address the top misconceptions about therapy we see and what the facts really are.

 

Misconception #1: Therapy is for crazy people.

FACT: Therapy is for everyone. The average therapy client struggles with many of the same problems we all struggle with daily: relationships, self-doubt, confidence, self-esteem, work-life stress, life transitions, depression, and anxiety.

Life is unpredictable and real problems happen – whether for yourself, your child or your relationship. It can leave you feeling stressed, frustrated and desperate for change. It’s important to have the self-awareness to realize that the tools in your mental and emotional tool bag may have gone dull or that you could use new tools and techniques in handling life stressors. Perhaps you haven’t found resolution to long-standing issues. A therapist will help you gain better insight and freedom from whatever may be standing in your way to leading a well-balanced life.

 

Misconception#2: Therapy is for the weak.

FACT: The exact opposite is true. Asking and reaching out for help takes much more courage than passively suffering and remaining stuck in a pattern of living that you know is not working. Furthermore, improvement in therapy comes from willingness to work hard by taking a good look at yourself, your life, and taking responsibility for your own actions.

 

Misconception #3: Therapy is just like talking to a friend.

FACT: Having friend you can talk to is a wonderful thing. We all enjoy a good chat with a close friend. We know they care about us and have our best interests at heart. The difference between your therapist and friend starts with the fact that therapists are highly trained professionals. They have spent years honing their ability to diagnose and treat behavioral, emotional, and cognitive issues. Also, therapy is confidential and you don’t have to censor your thoughts in fear you may hurt or alienate your friend. Each session is about you and helping you find balance in a hectic world.

 

Misconception #4: Therapy is all about my parents & my past.

FACT: Therapy is not about blaming your parents or dwelling on the past. a well-trained therapist doesn’t blame or shame. They don’t blame clients or their parents. They bring an objective, bird’s-eye perspective to help clients see the water they’re swimming in and allow them to take responsibility for their lives. Professional therapists never admonish, blame, or shame clients into change.

While exploring family relationships can sometimes clarify thoughts and behaviors later in life, that is not the sole focus of therapy. The primary focus is to help you identify and change unhealthy patterns or behaviors in your life to help you on your journey to leading a fulfilling and happier life.

If you are ready to get help, let’s do this, together.  Don’t hesitate to reach out:

• Visit mytherapyworks.com/schedule
• Call us at 408-508-6789 or 831-525-5000
• Email hello@mytherapyworks.com

Filed Under: Counseling, Mental Health, Therapy Tagged With: facts, Maaliea Wilbur, myths, reaching out, seeking help, self-improvement, therapy myths

To learn more about the benefits of therapy and how TherapyWorks can help, we invite you to contact us or schedule an appointment today.

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