Many have misconceptions about psychotherapy because we are informed by concepts shown on TV or in the movies. Because of this, we may have misguided notions about therapy, its benefits, and what occurs in a therapist’s office. Let’s debunk some of the top common myths!
- I’ll have to stay in therapy forever – This simply isn’t true! Everyone moves at a different pace, and the process is an individualized one that you discuss with your therapist. Recent research suggests about half of people going to therapy will improve after 15 to 20 therapy sessions. Clients and therapist may continue treatment over a longer duration due to client’s goals, complexity of the issues, to achieve a more complete remission of symptoms, or to feel more confident in the skills developed to maintain therapeutic gains. A therapist’s goal isn’t to have lifetime clients, but to help empower you to function, cope, and thrive on your own.
- Therapy is only for really serious problems – This is also a false notion. Therapy is not only a go-to for crises or breakdowns, but is beneficial for people with a variety of needs that include areas such as treating anxiety, depression, or trauma, to life transitions, balancing work, improving relationships and so much more. Stigma surrounding mental health used to be a strong deterrent for seeking help, and although this still exists, getting support is increasingly viewed as resourceful and a proactive act of self care. Psychotherapy has also been shown to help approximately three-quarters of the people who try it, and about 80% of people feel better at the end of treatment, than those who never attended therapy.
- Therapy is just a venting session – Wrong again! Therapy usually involves much dialogue, so one might be tempted to think it’s similar to talking to a friend. However, your therapist has years of specialized education, training, and experience that make them experts in understanding and treating complex problems. Techniques used during psychotherapy have been clinically researched and developed over decades, and your therapist’s neutral stance, timing, and undivided attention add efficacy to the remarks, reflections, and observations you’ll receive. Consistent collaboration, exercises, skill building and more also add breadth and direction to the work done in therapy. Therapy is a confidential space that can be incredibly helpful for anyone experiencing life’s challenges, so it’s important to know the facts. Deciding to work with a therapist is not only an investment in your mental health, but to your health as a whole.
By: Yolanda C. Kosic, MSW RSW | Psychotherapist
References
Source: APA Div. 12. 2017. (Society of Clinical Psychology)
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/length-treatment
https://psychcentral.com/health/myths-about-therapy#its-about-venting