Ma
ny who could benefit from therapy may still be avoiding it because of inaccurate preconceived notions.
For those who only know about therapy from what they’ve read in books or seen in movies, well—who can blame them for being hesitant?
Let’s peel back the curtain a little, shall we? It’s time to dispel some of the nine most common myths of therapy.
Myth #1: You Lay on a Couch and Discuss Your Mother and Childhood
Let’s get one thing clear: You do not have to lie down on a couch—or anything for that matter.
While your therapist may want a brief overview of your past—especially if there is trauma involved—it is mainly for intake purposes so they can get a sense of your background. Sometimes the past does still affect us today, but you won’t spend a lot of time there.
When it comes to therapy itself, there are many different treatment approaches. Your therapist will collaborate with you to find the best fit for you—one that directly addresses your needs.
Myth #2: Your Therapist Will Tell You What to Do
Therapists do not tell you what to do, nor do they solve your problems for you.
Instead, they offer you support and guidance. They provide necessary tools and education—they ask leading questions that prompt self-reflection and deep contemplation. They offer the necessary education to assist with healing, and help guide you along your path towards a brighter future.
Myth #3: You May Be Hypnotized or Unwillingly Coerced into Something
Therapists are held to strict professional standards, and deviating from these could result in them losing their license—something that took years of intense study and dedication to achieve.
While your therapist may challenge you from time to time—it won’t happen until you’ve built a rapport.
A therapist will never hypnotize you or make you do anything against your will.
Myth #4: Therapy is for Crazy People
Therapy is for everyone.
Everyone has personal struggles and could benefit from seeing a therapist. Mental health—just like physical health—exists on a spectrum.
Sometimes people go through bouts of stress, grief, trauma, life transitions and more—things that require extra assistance from experts.
Myth #5: Therapy and the “Collective Unconscious” is Woo-Woo
People who use logic to help reason and make sense of the world may shy away from therapy, thinking it’s way too wishy-washy.
Yet there are many proven and effective therapeutic approaches, some deeply rooted in logic.
A therapist works with the patient and their way of thinking and reasoning to help determine the best treatment approach.
Myth #6: Therapy is for Weak People
Guess what? The opposite of this is true. People who seek therapy are incredibly strong, even if they don’t feel like it at the moment.
The choice to deal with something troubling—especially when your instinct may be to avoid it because it’s uncomfortable—takes an incredible amount of strength and fortitude.
Myth #7: Talking About Problems Makes Them Feel Worse
This may depend on the person—sometimes it can be painful to bring up experiences shrouded in shame or trauma.
However, the point of therapy isn’t simply to talk. Depending on the approach and the issues at hand, there’s a strategy involved.
While it may make things feel worse temporarily, as treatment progresses people generally begin feeling much better.
Myth #8: With a Good Support Group, You Don’t Need a Therapist
Having a reliable support system in place is incredibly important, and should not be undervalued.
However, most friends and family are not mental health professionals. They do not have the training or knowledge required to assist their loved ones through the tricky nuances of mental health challenges.
Myth #9: Therapy is Too Expensive
Yes it’s an investment. But so are phones, cars, vacations, etc. It is relevant to what you put as a priority. Therapy doesn’t have to last forever. You resolve the problem, learn the skills and move on.
When it comes to your relationships; don’t we want healthy, fulfilling relationships that work? How expensive is a divorce? Financially and emotionally it changes your life. You also might want to make sure you have done all that you could do before such a big decision.
The Relationship Therapy Center offers therapy in Roseville and Fair Oaks, two convenient Northern California locations. We have multiple treatment options available—and even book evening and weekend appointments to accommodate busy professionals.
If you’re still on the fence about therapy, we’d love to hear from you and answer any lingering questions.
Give us a call anytime to learn more about who we are and what we do.
Therapy in Roseville, CA, Fair Oaks, CA, or Online in California:
If you are ready to change for the better, we can help. Our therapists are ready to support you in your journey towards creating a healthy and happy lifestyle. To begin counseling in Roseville, CA area, or counseling in Fair Oaks, please follow these three simple steps:
- 1. Contact our counseling office to get more information about what therapy would be best for you and to schedule a free consultation.
- 2. Make an appointment with one of our highly trained therapists
- 3. Find support and healing in your life!
Services Offered at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:
Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville, CA and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our services include but are not limited to: Couples counseling, counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include, anxiety treatment, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, and individual relationship counseling. We also offer online counseling to California residents. Please contact our office to learn more about the many ways we can help you and your loved ones.