Prevailing Myths about Therapy

Sharon Moore June 06, 2013

Despite the known effectiveness of psychotherapy in treating various mental health problems such as anxiety disorder and depression, many people are still hesitant to seek help from professional practitioners. That’s probably because of the persistent myths about therapy. Here are some of the most common misconceptions that often prevent people from seeking help.

Therapy is just for people with real issues.

Even though therapy has been proven effective in treating different mental illnesses, it is accessible to everyone. You don’t need to be ‘mentally ill’ to undergo therapy. Whether you’re dealing with difficult life issues, such as major transitions, loss, and grief, or you’re just looking to make positive changes in your life and relationship, therapy can help you.

Once you undergo therapy, you’ll be on it forever.

It’s true that some people may need to undergo ongoing therapy due to a long-term mental illness. But there are also short-term therapies that are proven effective in addressing various mental health issues. You can use short-term therapy to improve your health, quality of life, social relationship, parenting skills, etc. It can also help you develop strategies to reach your goals or adopt a healthy lifestyle.

All therapists are the same.

Therapists may differ in their field of specialisation. They also differ in credentials, training and experience. There are highly trained psychiatrists who could not prescribe medications. Some social workers are also authorised to conduct counselling. To get positive results, it is important to choose a therapist who is highly qualified to meet your needs.

Therapy is expensive.

Many people think that therapy is very expensive but the cost is actually more reasonable than what you think. Think about the debilitating consequences of a mental illness if it is not treated or prevented. There are many clinics and health centres that offer affordable payment plans for patients.

Therapists only listen.

Listening is a critical aspect of a successful treatment. But therapy also includes asking questions and other techniques in treating patients. Good therapists make use of different strategies, such as assigning homework to the patient and conducting activities.

Therapy is all about your past.

Real-life therapy is far different from what is mostly seen in TV shows and movies. You’ll not just be lying on a couch and talking about your past or your childhood. Although past experiences are often needed in therapy sessions, most current therapies also focus on solving future and present issues.

Therapy is common sense.

Some people claim that therapy is just common sense because therapists only reiterate common knowledge. But it’s not. Common sense is wisdom that applies to everyone. Therapy provides wisdom that is unique to the patient.

Social support does the same thing with therapy.

It is true that getting support from family and friends can help you deal with different life problems. Social support is critical for wellness and well-being. But therapy should not be compared with social support as therapists are different from friends. Therapists spent years studying and practising how to diagnose, treat and prevent cognitive, emotional, behavioural and relational issues whilst friends may provide advice which is mostly based on their personal views and experiences. Relationships are also reciprocal. Friends often find themselves discussing about each other’s issues. On the other hand, therapy is devoted only to the patient. Because there’s no ‘string attached’, you can openly discuss your issues with a professional therapist and less likely to sugar-coat them. If you’re not comfortable conversing with the therapist face-to-face, you may want to ask him or her if you can undergo sessions online or through the telephone.

Seeking therapy is one way to improve your quality of life. With the help of a well-trained practitioner, you can effectively address many issues concerning your health, emotion, behaviour, relationship, and other aspects of life.