5 popular myths about therapy

Despite an ever-growing awareness of mental health and a much broader discussion of it in the media, there can still be a stigma attached to having therapy. This is a great shame, as therapy is a fantastic investment in you and your future. Understanding yourself, living free of shame, anxiety and repetitive worry, sleeping well, communicating better and feeling lighter – these are just some of the benefits of therapy.

Yet it can still be easy to talk yourself out of going, and there are plenty of beliefs and misconceptions around that might deter you. Let’s have a look at five common therapy myths:

1. Therapy is for really unwell people

There is no entry requirement for therapy. You do not need to have experienced a trauma such as bereavement, divorce or child sexual abuse, to ‘qualify’ for help. Yes, people do get therapy after a major life event, but you can also try it if you’re simply feeling down, ‘out of sorts’, anxious or numb. You don’t have to have a diagnosis or disorder either. You might come because you are worried about your relationship with food or alcohol, but do not have an eating disorder or addiction. Or, you might be worried about your marriage, but are not on the brink of divorce. It’s not necessary to wait until you are in crisis. Often, the best work happens once the storm has blown over, not while it’s still raging.

2. I must have a solid reason for going

I am anxious. I have low self-esteem. I keep fighting with my partner… You might know why you want therapy, but it’s not a problem if you don’t. Some people show up with a presenting problem, but often what gets talked about is something altogether different. You might feel stuck, lost or low. Maybe it’s hard to describe where you’re at, but life feels confusing or joyless. Maybe you simply want to understand yourself better. These are all great reasons for seeing a therapist.

3. I don’t have any problems, it’s everyone else!

It might be painful to admit that you could benefit from working on yourself. It’s more comforting to assume that your problems lie outside, in him or her or them. The bad news is, we can’t change others, only ourselves. But the good news is, working on yourself can provoke change in those you are in a relationship with. So, work on what you can work on – that’s you!

4. Counselling is self-indulgent

It can feel hard to justify the time and cost of therapy when there are so many other commitments and financial pressures. It is worth considering, though, that a course of therapy is an investment that will boost your entire life. Greater self-acceptance, freedom from old thoughts, feelings and behaviours, improved relationships with family and colleagues, and better health are all possible results of therapy.

5. I can’t afford to 'go there'

Concern about what you might uncover if you start delving into yourself can stop you from seeking counselling. You may worry about being overwhelmed, distressed, or even derailed by exploring your past, your deepest feelings and your unconscious.

This is understandable, but not talking about something doesn’t make it disappear, and it can even make it more frightening. Essentially, if you don’t face it, you can’t fix it. Sure, therapy is not always easy, but it is rewarding (and sometimes even fun!) and with the support of a therapist, who will contain and pace the sessions, it will feel safe, too.