10 Common Misconceptions About Therapy

Mental health experts break down some common myths that persist around the experience of therapy.

Culture & Parenting Reporter, HuffPost

Although we’ve come a long way as a culture in destigmatising therapy, there are still many lingering myths and misunderstandings that shape how people think about the process.

From incorrect beliefs about how therapy is “supposed” to work to misguided assumptions about what it means to seek mental health treatment in the first place, these misconceptions can keep people from pursuing this helpful option – or leave them disappointed when it doesn’t unfold the way they imagined.

Below, mental health professionals break down some common misconceptions about therapy and what the experience is actually like.

Misconception: Going to therapy means something is wrong with you.

“A persistent misconception is that going to therapy means something is wrong with you, or that you are weak,” Dr. Sue Varma, a psychiatrist and author of “Practical Optimism,” told HuffPost.

She – like most mental health professionals – doesn’t see it that way, however.

“It takes courage to reflect honestly on your life, your patterns and your relationships,” Varma said. “In my experience, the people who do that work are some of the bravest people I know.”

Misconception: Therapy is only for extreme or acute emotional times.

Another common misconception is that you should only seek therapy in times of extreme distress or a spiral.

“Many people come through my door for the first time immediately following a loss or major life disruption like a breakup,” said psychotherapist Meg Gitlin. “This is OK and is often a motivating factor for seeking help. However, there are people who come to therapy when they have ‘hit rock bottom’ emotionally and then disappear when things are good until the next fire.”

Although people can seek therapy intermittently or to address short-term issues, Gitlin finds the most successful therapy experiences are not defined solely by catastrophic events.

“My experience as a therapist tells me that while therapy can feel particularly helpful during crisis management, people are actually able to understand and process much more when things are going well for them,” she said. “I would encourage people to stick with therapy when things calm down, and they can approach their issues from a thoughtful non-alarmist stance.”

Misconception: There will be a big epiphany moment.

“Another misconception is that therapy always has to involve dramatic breakthroughs,” Varma said. “Sometimes the work is quieter. Simply bringing problems into the open, gaining insight, increasing awareness and trusting your own intelligence to manage challenges more effectively can be deeply meaningful.”

She noted that a core goal of therapy is to build flexibility in how you think, relate to others and respond to stress. The process can help you understand different people’s perspectives, strengthen self-compassion and empathy, and learn healthier ways to cope with difficulties, express emotions and deepen relationships.

“Finding out how to improve our mental state and reduce our suffering is a process,” said therapist Nina Tomkiewicz.

“Life is made up of small moments, so........

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