Reaching out for therapy can be a powerful first step in feeling better and making positive lifestyle changes, but it’s natural to have a few questions. Our guide dispels some of the most common myths and discusses what actually happens in therapy.
8 Common Therapy Myths Debunked
Let’s explore and debunk some of the most common therapy myths.
1. “I’ll Go Once and Be Fixed” or “I’ll Need Therapy Forever”
While the goal of therapy is to help you master the tools you need to feel better so you can cope independently, you decide when to start or stop sessions. You can continue getting therapy for as long as you find it beneficial.
2. “Therapists Just Nod and Ask You How You Feel”
Therapists are trained in different modalities, or approaches, to helping their clients heal and reach personal goals. Each modality is different, and your therapist may use a combination of strategies. For example, exposure and response therapy (ERP) is an exposure-based way to overcome certain fears or phobias, while cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a more general, talk-based therapy.
Depending on each type of session, your therapist may spend a lot of time listening to you or asking questions that provide them with more insight into how to guide the session while helping you better understand yourself.
3. “Therapists Analyze Your Every Move”
Many people who are nervous about starting therapy fear having their behavior, appearance or actions analyzed. While therapists are trained in reading body language cues, their goal is to be present with you in your session, using techniques like active listening.
4. “All Therapy Is About Your Past”
Many pop culture depictions of therapy are based on very outdated therapy models or show a limited scope of what therapy can be. While it is often helpful to talk about your past to understand your present-day thoughts and behaviors, therapy can also be a place to help you plan for the future by setting healthy goals that improve your daily quality of life.
6. “Therapy Only Works for Some People”
Some methods of therapy may work better for you than others. The key is finding a therapy or counseling service where you feel comfortable being open and honest.
7. “Therapists Are Just Paid Friends”
While therapists are compassionate and excellent listeners, they are not paid friends. They are trained individuals with the skills to help you improve your quality of life. A therapy session is more than a pep talk you might have with a friend — it’s about finding ways to make lasting positive changes to your mental well-being.
8. “Therapists Judge Their Clients”
Therapists are nonjudgmental, and their aim is to support you and your needs. Therapy sessions are a safe space to share your thoughts and feelings openly while your therapist makes assessments from an impartial, objective perspective. While they will need to ask questions and gather some information about you and your goals, they do so to ensure your sessions are productive and helpful.
9. “Therapy Is a Sign of Weakness”
People from all walks of life use therapy as a tool to reach their goals and improve their well-being. The reason you reach out for help does not define you as a person. Making the decision to ask for help or take that next step is an act of bravery and resilience.
What Therapy Actually Is: FAQs
Now that we’ve dispelled the common therapy myths, here are some frequently asked questions to help you know what to expect:
What Actually Happens in Therapy?
Your first session usually consists of getting to know your therapist’s approach while sharing more about yourself and why you reached out. They may ask you questions, or you may have some to ask them. You will likely feel more comfortable talking with your therapist the more often you meet.
The modality or approach your therapist uses depends on their training and your unique goals. For example, you might pursue therapy to review negative thought patterns or to improve your ability to be mindful and focus on the present. Discussing past trauma to begin the healing process could also be helpful.
Group therapy can be as effective as individual therapy and is often a good alternative or supplement to individual therapy sessions. A group setting encourages solidarity with peers who may be experiencing a similar issue.
How Often Should I Go to Therapy?
You decide how often to go to therapy. Your therapist can help you determine the schedule that works best for you.
Therapy vs. Talking to Friends — Which Is Better?
It’s good to talk about how you feel, whether that’s to your friend or a therapist. The key difference is that your therapist is trained to help you understand your thought and behavior patterns and provide actionable strategies to improve your well-being.
How Long Does Therapy Take to Work?
Everyone has different reasons for accessing therapy. Your unique concerns will determine how long treatment takes to work. While therapy is rarely a quick fix, some people benefit from just a few sessions, while others seek regular, long-term appointments.
What Do Therapists Actually Do?
A therapist’s job is to listen and empathize with your problems while applying the types of psychotherapy they specialize in to help you improve your well-being and understand your thoughts and behaviors. Once your therapist gets to know you and learn more about your needs, their goal becomes to create a supportive environment where you feel comfortable sharing your perspective. They will monitor your progress and provide tools or strategies to help you practice skills outside of your sessions.
How Do I Tell a Therapist That Something Is Uncomfortable?
A large part of what makes therapy successful is the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client. No matter where you are in your journey, it is OK to admit something is too uncomfortable or difficult to discuss. Be honest about how you feel, and your therapist will change their approach accordingly.
Getting Started With Therapy With Merrimack Valley Psychological Associates
Therapy is a safe place to talk about your struggles or goals and find ways to reach stability and contentment. Your therapist is trained to guide you through this collaborative process while listening in a nonjudgmental way and providing resources to improve your well-being.
At Merrimack Valley Psychological Associates, you will find compassionate, caring clinicians, including licensed therapists with doctoral-level experience. We provide flexible therapy options to suit you, including in-person counseling at our Andover office and teletherapy from the comfort of your home. Start your therapy journey by scheduling your first session.
Still have questions? Our Frequently Asked Questions page can help you learn more before you decide. To schedule an appointment, contact us through our online form or give us a call at (978) 482-7351.