10 Myths About Therapy - Lessons from my Sacramento Counseling Office
You’re wondering if therapy is really the thing you need to help get you through this rough patch. If questions about what therapy is, how it works, and what happens during a typical therapy appointment is getting in your way of getting the support you need, then please keep reading.
Myths and misconceptions about what therapy is and how it can help may potentially prevent individuals from accessing life-changing support. As a therapist in Sacramento, my goal in this article is to dispel these misunderstandings and shed light on the reality of therapy, enabling you to make informed decisions about your mental well-being. Seeking therapy has become increasingly common as people recognize the importance of their mental health in overall well-being. Even the word therapy has a stigma attached to it, and some people prefer to use counseling instead. I use the terms interchangeably in this article.
As a therapist in Sacramento, my goal in this article is to dispel these misunderstandings and shed light on the reality of therapy, enabling you to make informed decisions about your mental well-being.
1. Myth - Therapy is for people who are weak, lack willpower, or are “crazy”
TRUTH - One of the most persistent myths about people who access mental health counseling is that they are somehow flawed, weak in character, or have “hit rock bottom.” This couldn't be further from the truth. Asking for help can be really hard, especially if you see yourself as a strong, independent person with “I just need to get my shit together” self-talk. Social pressure to be self-reliant coupled with the stigma associated with mental health and therapy means it takes a lot of strength and courage to recognize the desire for support and then reach out for professional help. The truth is therapy is a set of tools that helps people navigate life's challenges, regardless of their character traits or mental state. Counseling empowers individuals to develop coping strategies, enhance self-awareness, and cultivate emotional resilience.
2. Myth - Talking to my family and friends is just as good as counseling
TRUTH - In my Sacramento counseling office, I encourage clients to foster a network of supportive family members or friends as part of an overall self-care plan, but it’s important to understand that therapy offers a unique and specialized approach to mental health. Meeting with a licensed therapist allows you to fully explore your thoughts, feelings, experiences, and hopes for the future without worry about feeling judged, embarrassed, ashamed, or offending someone. Friends and family may provide a compassionate ear, but counselors are trained professionals who offer objective perspectives, evidence-based techniques, and a confidential space to explore your emotions. If you work with me, I’ll help you gain insight and transform negative patterns, develop practical strategies for personal growth, and teach you how to create the changes you desire. Also, therapy appointments are time and space just for you, there is no reciprocal problem-solving or support you need to provide to your counselor as you might with a friend.
3. Myth - Therapists just sit there, nod their heads, and say “uh-huh”
TRUTH - Stereotypes abound on TV of therapists sitting behind a desk, taking notes, nodding their heads, and dryly saying “uh-huh” or offering cheesy affirmations. Contrary to popular belief, therapy is not a passive experience. As a therapist in Sacramento, I believe counseling is an interactive process that requires engagement and work from both the client and the therapist. Working with a therapist is an experiential process of collaboration, learning, goal-setting, problem-solving, and relational skill building. Therapists are trained to listen intently with compassion and insight to support you in finding the best way to make changes and feel good about yourself. There are many different therapeutic approaches, some are more directive and active than others. If you work with me in my Sacramento counseling office or online therapy in California, I provide a unique blend of mind-body approaches that incorporate cognitive, physiological, emotional, and behavioral methods to help you process through trauma, relational challenges, anxiety or depression symptoms, and foster better self-worth.
4. Myth - My problems aren’t serious enough for therapy
TRUTH - Therapy does not have to be a last-resort option reserved for individuals in crisis or after someone has a “breakdown.” You don’t have to wait until you’re desperate to seek professional help. In my Sacramento counseling office, I support people struggling with everyday stresses such as feeling confused or overwhelmed with life decisions, anxiety and depression symptoms from working so hard to “keep it all together,” or simply seeking personal growth and more fulfilling relationships. Therapy is also a crucial part of support for people who are living with the challenges of serious mental health conditions. My therapy office in Sacramento offers a space to explore ideas and concerns, gain clarity, receive undivided, nonjudgmental, and compassionate attention, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Remember, therapy is a proactive step towards self-improvement, regardless of the severity of your challenges.
5. Myth - I should be able to handle things all by myself
TRUTH - Independence and self-reliance are qualities that most likely help you make progress toward your goals. But just as you would consult a mechanic to fix your car or a doctor to address physical ailments, I encourage you to seek professional counseling support for your mental and emotional well-being. I recognize that for some people, relying on others can be stressful or evoke anxiety, especially when past experiences have led to feelings of disappointment, hurt, or betrayal. I believe that everyone deserves support and guidance, and that recognizing the desire to not do it all alone is a sign of strength, self-awareness, and a commitment to your personal growth.
6. Myth - Therapists blame everything on your childhood and parents
TRUTH - While some therapy approaches may include exploring childhood experiences, the goal of counseling is not focused on placing blame or dwelling on the past. Instead, counseling can help you explore if your past experiences are shaping your current patterns of physical, emotional, and behavioral reactions, as well as your relationships and how you perceive yourself. I work with my Sacramento therapy clients to support them with gaining insight, developing self-compassion, and equipping themselves with the tools to create positive changes in the present moment. I focus on my clients’ holistic growth, taking into account various developmental life stages.
7. Myth - I’ll have to talk about things in the past that I want to avoid
TRUTH - In my counseling sessions, you are always in control of what you choose to discuss. While past experiences may be relevant, I work collaboratively to help my clients define their therapy goals and direction of treatment, and work together at a pace that’s comfortable for them. Therapists should always provide a non-judgmental space where you can explore your concerns, receive guidance and support, and learn to feel empowered expressing yourself. Remember, therapy is about addressing what’s important to you, which can include your past, your current challenges, and/or working towards a more fulfilling future.
8. Myth - All therapy and counseling is the same
TRUTH - Therapy encompasses a wide range of approaches, and figuring out the right fit for you may take some trial and error. Depending on your needs and preferences, counseling may incorporate a variety of methods that solely rely on “talk therapy” or be more experiential in nature. For example, in my Sacramento therapy practice, I use an integrative approach that incorporates mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and self-compassion skills, interpersonal relational methods, as well as trauma-focused modalities including expressive arts, movement, brainspotting, and somatic experiencing therapy. I encourage you to search for a counseling approach that is tailored to your specific learning and processing styles.
9. Myth - I’ll have to be in therapy the rest of my life - or - one therapy appointment will fix me
TRUTH - One common misconception about therapy is the belief that once you start, you'll be committed to it indefinitely. This is simply not true. The duration of counseling varies greatly depending on individual circumstances, goals, and progress. I work with my clients to support them in meeting their needs where they are at, whether that means weekly appointments for three months or three years. Some of my clients find that short-term therapy is effective and plentiful to meet their needs while others may benefit from ongoing support to address deeper and/or more pervasive concerns . If you work with me in my Sacramento counseling practice, we’ll work collaboratively to establish goals and create a treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs. As progress is made and goals are achieved, the frequency and intensity of therapy sessions can be adjusted accordingly.
Conversely, it's also important to recognize that therapy is not a magical fix that will instantaneously solve all your problems. It’s a process that requires active participation, introspection, and effort on your part. The ultimate decision to continue therapy or bring it to a close lies in the hands of the client.
10. Myth - People will think less of me if they know I’m in counseling
TRUTH - Therapy is a confidential space that prioritizes your privacy. Concerns about the perception of others is understandable, but it's important to remember that your mental health and well-being should take priority over others’ opinions. You have the right to prioritize your mental well-being without feeling shamed or judged.
As conversations around mental health become more prevalent, many people now view therapy as a valuable resource for personal growth and emotional well-being. Seeking counseling is a personal decision that reflects your commitment to self-care and growth. By taking care of yourself, you set a positive example for others and contribute to creating a culture that values and supports a focus on mental health. Opening up about therapy can also inspire others to prioritize their own mental well-being, fostering a more supportive and understanding environment.
As a therapist in Sacramento, I hope I’ve helped to debunk some of the biggest myths surrounding therapy or counseling, and encourage you to embrace the transformative power of seeking professional help. Remember, seeking support is a strength, and therapy is a tool that empowers you to navigate life's challenges with resilience and clarity. If you would like to find our more, schedule your free 15 minute phone or video consultation with me by clicking here on my calendar.