Common Myths about Therapy
By Sarah Hosseini, PsyD
Therapy has become popularized over the past several years, with many people taking an increased interest in their mental health and wellbeing. With a variety of therapeutic approaches and plethora of mental health resources, it can be challenging to determine if therapy is right for you while maintaining realistic expectations along the way. While having a wide assortment of therapists and treatments available allows individuals to be selective and find the best fit, uncertainty about the process can present a challenge to making informed decisions. We are here to debunk several common misconceptions about therapy and pave the way towards achieving your goals.
Myth #1: “Therapy is for people who experience significant distress or an emotional breakdown.”
Therapy is not only effective for individuals experiencing mood disturbance, anxiety, or those with diagnosable disorders. Treatment can target a range of other concerns, such as interpersonal difficulties, low motivation, self-doubt, burnout, and life transitions. Therapy can also help work towards desired behavior changes, such as smoking cessation, improved sleep, medical treatment adherence, and weight management. Each provider has participated in unique education and training experiences, making them equipped to provide competent care within their specialized scope of practice. Therefore, it may be beneficial to ask providers if they are qualified to provide treatment based on your therapy goals.
Myth #2: “A therapist similar to me will be most helpful because they can relate to my experiences.”
Therapy is evidence-based, meaning the techniques are rooted in research that has shown to be effective. While having a therapist similar to yourself may provide an element of comfort, having a “relatable” therapist does not make a provider more qualified to provide treatment. Therapists endure years of clinical training to practice implementing therapeutic interventions, while attempting to remain objective. In fact, having a “relatable” therapist can increase the likelihood that the therapist and/or client may project their experiences onto one another. Additionally, two people who endure the same event don’t necessarily interpret the shared experience in the same way. Therapy provides opportunity for clients to convey their unique experience to their provider in order to best inform the course of treatment.
Myth #3: “Therapy is not working if I don’t notice significant improvement after 1-2 sessions.”
It is important to remain patient with the process and with yourself. Change does not happen overnight. The first session is typically the intake, utilized to establish rapport, obtain background information, and determine if the therapeutic alliance is a good fit prior to beginning therapy. At the end of the intake session, therapists typically make recommendations about frequency of treatment as well as what approach they plan to utilize. It may be beneficial to discuss your expectations with your provider and determine if they are realistic based on your goals. Clients should also feel encouraged to express concerns about the pace of progress throughout their therapy journey and collaborate with their provider to determine the best treatment course.
Beginning your therapy journey can feel overwhelming. However, with a little patience, you too can achieve your goals!