When I graduated as a mental health professional in 2009, I often told people I worked in mental health, only to hear responses like, “What, with learning disabilities and autism?” We’ve made surprising progress since then, and conversations about mental health have become more normalized. Yet, myths about therapy persist, so let’s uncover and debunk some of these common misconceptions and highlight the hidden benefits of therapy.
1. Therapy is Only for People Struggling with Severe Mental Health Issues
You don’t need a diagnosis or a history of significant mental health difficulties to benefit from therapy. While it’s true that therapy helps those in crisis, or someone going through a difficult time such as bereavement, a relationship breakdown or those struggling with low mood or anxiety, for example, it’s also a powerful tool for personal growth. It obviously helps process painful experiences but it can also enhance emotional awareness, self-understanding, confidence, and communication.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” — Carl Rogers On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy
Therapy empowers people to recognize aspects like needs, core values boundaries, sensitivities motives and emotional process which can improve relationships, decision-making, a deeper sense of self and life satisfaction.
2. You Should Only Seek Therapy When You Hit Rock Bottom
Therapy is most effective as a preventative measure, much like adopting healthy habits to prevent a heart attack.
Unfortunately, denial, fear of the unknown, or feeling like you’re “wasting someone’s time” are amongst thoughts that can delay therapy. Prioritizing self-care before reaching a crisis point is vital. Even if not everyone feels they need therapy, most would find it beneficial.
3. Talking to Friends and Family is Just as Effective
A strong support network is important for good mental health, but friends and family can bring bias and emotional involvement. They may also struggle to really empathize and understand, giving advice that aligns with their views and opinions. Therapists, on the other hand, provide unbiased, reflective support, identifying patterns and strategies that friends may overlook. Therapy offers a unique, judgment-free space where you can speak openly without guilt or worry. Therapists are also trained in helping clients identify and address unhealthy patterns of relationships, thoughts and management of emotions.
4. Therapy is for People Who are Fragile
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen,” —Brené Brown Daring Greatly.
Embracing vulnerability by seeking therapy is a profound act of bravery. It means acknowledging personal imperfections, facing difficult thoughts and feelings and committing to personal growth. Far from being a weakness, seeking help shows strength, a commitment to well-being, and a desire to be a better person.
For many of my clients this is the first time they have accessed therapy and the courage they demonstrate to not only show up for themselves, those they love but also to face really painful and difficult life events is admirable and inspiring.
5. Therapy is More for Women
"Men aged 45 to 49 years have the highest age-specific suicide rate, with males making up around three-quarters of all suicides registered." Office for National Statistics (ONS):.
Mental health doesn’t discriminate, yet men often face stigma when seeking emotional support. Societal norms still pressure men to “toughen up,” making vulnerability seem like an admission of weakness. However, men need and deserve emotional support just as much as women. In my work with schools, I’ve seen boys and girls display different mental health needs, but the truth remains: mental health challenges affect everyone. Though I personally have worked with more women there is an increase in men accessing therapeutic services which is only going to be a good thing!
6. Therapists Just Listen Without Providing Solutions
There’s a misconception that therapists only nod and listen without offering guidance. However I do want to state the deep importance of being listened to, witnessed and seen.
To be truly witnessed is to have the full complexity of one's experience acknowledged, not just by the therapist, but by oneself. In that moment of recognition, healing begins." — Peter Levan
Therapy can provides not just a safe, non-judgmental space but also actionable techniques, strategies, and insights. These empower clients to understand themselves better, manage overwhelming emotions, and initiate meaningful changes in their lives.
7. Therapy is a Waste of Money
While therapy can be costly, many options are accessible. The NHS and various charities offer low- to no-cost therapy, and some private therapists use a sliding scale or accept health insurance. Private therapy grants you more control over who you see and when, which can foster feelings of safety and support. Investing in therapy is commitment to your mental health, something many overlook when prioritizing their well-being.
8. If You Start Therapy, You’ll Be in It Forever
Whilst some people like to have therapy as a form of maintenance and a personal reflective space the duration of the therapy is really set by you. Some people only have limited time or money and that doesn’t mean therapy can’t happen.
Identifying goals with your therapist is really helpful as is reviewing at regular intervals to make sure you are moving in the right direction. This allows not only some reflective time but also a transparent conversation about how you feel about therapy and what you need and want. It is my job as a therapist to also encourage my clients to go it alone when they feel equipped and ready.
9. Therapy Isn’t for Everyone
Therapy is a personal choice. There are also many different modalities, so even if one therapist and one approach wasn’t a good fit doesn’t mean there isn’t a different one. Its like exercise, we all know it is good for us but that doesn’t mean the Personal Trainer down your local Recreational Centre making you use the stepper is the best way for you to get fit or enjoy it!
I do believe that everyone could benefit from therapy.
Having a reflective, nonjudgmental space to explore who you are and what you have experienced can be highly beneficial in being more insightful compassionate people-and the world needs more of them!
10. Using Self-Help Books and Podcasts are Just as Good
Self-help books and podcasts are valuable resources for mental health tips and mindset shifts, but they can’t replace the unique relationship built in therapy. A therapist provides personalized insight, tailored strategies, and a trusting environment for exploring your unique challenges—elements that self-help resources alone can’t offer.
Final Thoughts
Accessing therapy is becoming more normalised but it is still misunderstood in many ways; from being perceived as a last resort to being labeled as unnecessary for those without major issues. Hopefully debunking some of these myths can help normalize therapy and reveals its true value—a space for growth, insight, and long-term well-being.
Whether facing a crisis or seeking personal development, therapy can be a transformative journey worth considering.
Have I missed any other "myths" around Mental Health??? Let me know in the comments below!
Thank you for reading this blog! I hope you found it insightful. Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments below and share this post with your friends. Stay tuned for more updates next month or better still why not subscribe? www.citysolacepsychotherapy.com
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