Common Myths about Therapy
When you think about therapy what image pops into your mind?
Maybe someone lying on a couch?
Another person holding a clipboard?
It is safe to say there are many common misconceptions about therapy. This blog post is an attempt to “debunk” a few of those!
People will think something is wrong with me if I go to therapy.
If you have thought this before, don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a very common misconception, and one that often impacts whether someone seeks out a therapist or not. The stigma around mental health leads people to believe that therapy is only for individuals who are “broken” or have something “wrong” with them. However, that could not be further from the truth. Therapy is for everyone! Many topics discussed during therapy center around communication skills, relationships, family, friendships, work-life stress, life transitions, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and the list goes on. These are topics that you might experience daily. Seeking guidance and support in these areas is absolutely normal!
Therapy is awkward. Am I going to have to lie down on a couch?
We have all seen the classic scene where a therapist sits with a clipboard listening their client who is lying on the office couch. While you are more than welcome to lie down during therapy, that certainly is not expected. Yes, many clinicians have a couch in their office, but it is simply to ensure clients have a comfortable place to sit. Clinicians do their best to provide a safe and comfortable environment for their clients, and often this includes having a couch in their office. You may feel slightly uncomfortable or awkward at first, but you might be pleasantly surprised with how quickly those feelings subside.
I’ll just go one or two times, and everything will be better.
Consistency is key for many things in life, including therapy. Finding a clinician you like and maintaining regular appointments will provide the best results. Unfortunately, clinicians do not have a magic wand (that would be awesome though!), so, many times there isn’t a “quick fix.” Therefore, staying consistent will help your clinician provide the best services they can and will allow you to see long-term improvements.