5 Common Misconceptions about Mental Health Therapy

1. You must have a mental disorder to see a therapist.

Everyone could benefit from seeing a therapist! You don’t have to have a diagnosed problem; you don’t even have to have a specific concern! Similarly to your annual checkups at the doctor, you can see a therapist for maintenance and prevention. It’s important to take care of your mental health the same way you care for your physical health.

2. Therapy is just talking.

Therapy does involve talking, of course. However, therapy involves much more! There are many different treatment plans, techniques, therapeutic approaches, and skills that therapists are trained to utilize. Some of these techniques may include mindfulness activities, distress tolerance, motivational interviewing, exposure, role-playing, and even some *dreaded* homework.

3. Therapists give advice.

We are taught not to give advice! How many of you would do something just because you were told to? Probably not many! It is important that you do something because you WANT to. Therapists work with you to help you gain insight and motivation to change.

4. Therapy is a quick fix.

Therapy is often misunderstood as a quick fix. In reality, there is no magic word that can suddenly cure all of your problems. Effective therapy requires significant effort on your part. The outcome of therapy largely depends on what you invest in it. Though it can be challenging, therapy is ultimately rewarding.

5. If you tell your therapist you have suicidal thoughts, you’ll be sent to a hospital.

Many people are afraid to admit to their therapist that they think about death and dying. We could probably blame the media for this; you mention having suicidal thoughts and you are immediately sent to a nasty inpatient facility against your will. This is not true! Suicidal ideation is actually quite normal and a lot more common than you think. This won’t warrant a trip to the hospital! The only time you might be sent somewhere for an evaluation is if we truly believe that you will try to die the second you leave our office. Please be open with your therapists!