Myths & Misconceptions of Mental Health

"Why pay to someone to talk to when I can get advice from my friend?" "Therapists don't want you to get better- they just want your money." "I don't need therapy- I'm not crazy!!!!"

I CRINGE when I hear these statements, but unfortunately, there are a million stereotypes and misconceptions about therapy. Many of these stereotypes and misconceptions discourage individuals from seeking treatment, preventing them from getting the help that they deserve.

Thankfully, in recent years, therapy has become more common and less taboo. I attribute a lot of this to the pandemic (Yay-one good thing that happened as a result of COVID) and the ways we as humans collectively shared and healed in the trauma. Nonetheless, there is still work to do in the mental health advocacy world. I wanted to "shrink" down the stereotypes (pun intended) about therapy and provide alternative ways to think about mental health treatment.

Misconception: If you're in therapy, you must have a serious mental illness.

Truth: Therapy is for anyone who wants to work on themselves, improve quality of relationships, develop skills to regulate emotions more healthily, process painful memories/emotions, and so much more.

One thing I do want to address is that when a client goes to therapy under their insurance, providers do have to diagnose. This does not mean the diagnosis will be some serious mood or psychotic disorder. We often diagnose with unspecified depressive or anxiety or trauma disorders. These are generic diagnoses and let's face it, we all struggle with anxiety in one way or another. Every therapist has their own view of diagnosing (I will talk about this more in another post so stay tuned) but the important thing is recognizing that having a DSM diagnosis code in your insurance record does not mean you are crazy.

Misconception: I don't need to pay for someone to give me advice when my friends can give it to me for free!

Truth: It is not a therapist's job to give advice! In fact, I very rarely give advice to clients and feel it's a small red flag if a therapist gives advice consistently. The whole point of therapy is to help clients understand themselves better in a way that helps them feel more confident/comfortable in making their own decisions.

Misconception: Therapy is for weak, emotional people.

Truth: Nope. False false false! Going to therapy to work on yourself is actually a STRENGTH. I don't think people realize how challenging and draining therapy can be. You spend 45-60 minutes every week talking about deep, painful feelings and then have to somehow figure out a way to regulate yourself when you're triggered throughout the week. It takes courage to sit with that and explore the dark places that are often explored in therapy. I am seriously inspired by my clients bravery everyday, and honored that they take me to so many scary places with them.

Myth: All therapy is the same.

Truth: Every client will have a different experience in therapy because every person is different, with a complex set of individual needs. Thus, therapists are trained to utilize different methods and approaches within various theories of psychology. Additionally, therapy is not "one size fits all," so a good therapist will be able to meet their clients where they are and tailor their approach in a way that's fitting for the individual client.

Myth: Everyone in therapy is on medication.

Truth: Definitely false. In fact, in most cases, therapists often suggest being in therapy for 3-6 months before trying medication. And, psychiatrists can only provide medication, so therapists would make an outside referral if meds are deemed appropriate.

Myth: Therapy is just a pricey venting session.

Truth: Absolutely not! Therapy is so much more than just venting. The things you learn about yourself can be life changing, long lasting, and empowering!!!

Myth: I will have to be in therapy forever.

Truth: Actually, one of the overall goals of therapy is to help clients gain independence and skills so they don't feel they have to rely on their therapists. Sometimes people are in therapy for a few months, and others are in it for a few years. Sometimes people go to therapy off and on to work through various situations in life as they arise. Either way, "Forever" is an exaggerated term.