If you’re suffering from a mental health issue, or even, just going through a rough time, it’s likely that you need to see a therapist. Despite this, many of us will shy away from seeking the assistance of a licensed counselor, or even, deny that we need help in the first place.
Does this sound like this applies to you? Let us help you debunk the common therapy myths that can prevent us from getting the treatment and support we need. After this, you can decide if therapy is right for you. Chances are, you will be booking your first counseling appointment much sooner than you think!
If I Go to Therapy, I’m Admitting That Something is Wrong With Me
For some of us, admitting that we need psychiatric care can be a scary thought. You may also be asking yourself – if I need to go to therapy, is there something wrong with me?
The reasoning behind this perspective is likely due to the stigma that exists around mental health. Admitting that we need help is not a flaw, however. The truth is, there is nothing wrong with you, or with asking for help. On the contrary, every human can benefit from having a safe space to share our concerns, receive guidance and clarity, and if nothing else, get some emotional support.
If I Go to Therapy, It Means That I’m Weak and Not Capable of Dealing with My Problems Myself
It’s sad to say, but there is a common misconception that therapy is for the weak. People who are of this opinion may be in need of some serious soul-searching. It actually takes a great deal of strength to recognize that we need help and to take the first step toward our mental wellness.
Tackling your emotional issues head-on also takes a great deal of emotional strength, as counseling sessions can often be confronting. If you’ve ever been to therapy, you might have noticed the little tissue box subtly placed on the table beside you. It’s quite likely that you’ll be reaching for this during your session. Crying does not make you weak either, though. Sometimes it takes a good cry to cleanse yourself emotionally and to heal from the trauma you have been experiencing.
If I Go To Therapy, I Won’t Be Able to Afford the Costs
Think about it, you pay to service your car, right? And your gym membership? You can justify that monthly expense. What about those expensive meal delivery services or that rampant online shopping habit?
The truth is, if you can afford to splurge on these things, you can afford therapy. It simply takes cutting down on some of your unnecessary costs to free up room for counseling fees in your budget. Just as the old saying goes, you can’t put a price on your health, and prioritizing your mental well-being is just as important as taking action on any physical ailment.
If I Go to Therapy, I’ll Be Forced to Air My Dirty Laundry
Admit it, we all have secrets, and certainly some that we may not be proud of. But, whether we’re ashamed of what we’ve been through, or simply scared to talk about it, this is all the more reason to go to therapy.
Airing your dirty laundry, as it were, does more than just get it off your chest at the present moment. It can also help you overcome years of pent-up emotion and distress. Processing your trauma can be painful, of course. As can divulging your deepest darkest fears to a stranger. If you find yourself feeling afraid of this, remind yourself that your therapist is a trained professional, and they are there to support you without judgment.
If I Go to Therapy, I Might Not Like What I Find Out About Myself
So, you’ve aired your dirty laundry to your therapist. When letting it all out, you may be surprised by what you uncover. You may find yourself discussing things you’ve never thought about in great detail before. You might even recall events from your childhood that you have tried to suppress. The process of psychotherapy is usually retrospective. As such, it often calls upon events that have happened in the past, and how they influence your thoughts and behavior in the present.
Despite this, psychotherapy is crucial for self-work – especially if you are a victim of trauma. It can help you move on, develop new coping mechanisms, and ultimately, cultivate a healthier state of mind. And ultimately, this is the end goal for patients who seek therapy.