6 Myths About Therapy That You Need To Stop Believing Right Now

I believe that the topic of going to therapy has become more socially acceptable than it was 10 years ago, but unfortunately, there are still a lot of myths that people believe in regards to therapeutic practices. Here are six myths and facts about therapy that I hope puts your mind at ease and better helps you understand the benefits that therapy can bring to your life.

1. Myth: You are just paying someone to tell your business to.

Fact: You are able to talk about and seek help for your life problems with a trained, unbiased professional

2. Myth: You have to be crazy or have had something crazy happen to you in order to go to therapy

Fact: All sorts of people go to therapy for various reasons, some having to do with traumatic life experiencing but also just because one may need better help in regards to navigating their day-to-day life

3. Myth: You should not go to a therapist when you can just talk to a friend/family member

Fact: Although friends and family are great moral support systems, the truth is that when it comes to needing advice, it is better to receive that advice from someone who does not know you. That way you are receiving information about what you need from someone who doesn’t have any preconceived notions of who you are or about your situation

4. Myth: People who go to therapy are mentally weak

Fact: Going to therapy does not make someone weaker mentally than someone who does not go to therapy. In fact, people who do decide that they need therapy understand themselves on a mental aspect better than most because they knew their mind well enough to know when they needed help

5. Myth: Therapy is too expensive to attend

Fact: There are a ton of financially considerate therapy options around. If you are insured, you might just have to pay a small co-pay, and in some cases it could even be free. If you are not insured, then you still have many great options. There are virtual therapists who offer therapy services that you can tailor to your own needs and that cost way less than what the average sessions might cost (e.g. TalkSpace).

6. Myth: Therapy is for white people

Fact: Therapy is for anyone and everyone looking for help. In most mainstream portrayals of therapy, we do see a lack of color in what the therapists look like, but there are many POC therapists out there. If you go to websites such as PsychologyToday.com, then you can see pictures of therapists that are in your area and read up on then to ensure that they are the right fit for you!

I hope that this information has been beneficial to those who took the time out to read this. I personally say that therapy has helped me in so many ways throughout my life, and I am a better person because of it. If you are wanting to learn more about therapy, please don’t hesitate to gather your own information so that you can know what is best for you to do.