What therapy is, who it can be useful for, and how it works are often misunderstood. If we're struggling and could do with some help, these myths can make it harder to access the support we might need.
Lets look at some of the most common myths around therapy, and why they’re unhelpful as well as untrue!
Myth: I need to be feeling at rock bottom before I go to therapy
A common myth about therapy is that it’s a last resort, only for when you’re feeling at your worst. However, this isn’t true! Therapy can be helpful for anyone, whether you’re feeling low, worrying more than usual, feeling stressed, going through some difficult life experiences, or just not feeling like your usual self. Therapy can help you understand your problems, work through difficult feelings, and develop coping strategies to help you feel better.
Myth: Going to therapy is a sign of weakness
Sadly, there is still some stigma around mental health, and there is a really unhelpful (and untrue) idea that asking for help is a sign of weakness – which is definitely not the case. Actually, reaching out for help when you’re struggling can take a lot strength and courage. In therapy, you might confront difficult feelings, experiences and problems. Everyone’s experience will be different, and sometimes it can be tough, but working through these tough things with a therapist can help you to move forward.
Myth: Therapy is a quick fix-all
Therapy can take time, and you might not see results right away. It can take some patience, and sometimes a bit of homework! On the other hand, you might see improvements very quickly – it’s important to remember that everybody’s experience will be different. Your therapist is there to support you by listening, guiding you through, and working with you to find ways to manage your feelings.
We know the idea of not feeling better right away can be disheartening, but it’s important to remember that therapy is about developing coping skills, understanding your feelings, and finding better ways to manage them in the future. It can be tough, but taking the time to give yourself what you need can lead to really meaningful changes in how you’re feeling.
Myth: Therapy can take years to work
Another misconception is that it always takes a long time to see progress from therapy, but it’s just personal to each individual. Some people benefit from long-term therapy, others find shorter-term therapy helpful. There are lots of different types of therapy that can help with different mental health problems. For example, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is usually provided over a shorter period of time, sometimes over 6-8 hourly sessions. Sometimes, people might see a therapist for counselling over a longer period of time.
Whether you have therapy for a short period of time to focus on a specific issue or prefer ongoing support, it’s important to remember that therapy is flexible, and the length of treatment can be different for everyone.
It can be hard to ask for help, but getting the right support can help you find ways to manage and improve how you’re feeling.
Sadly, the myths around therapy can sometimes stop people from getting the help they need. By tackling some of these misconceptions, we hope that more people will find mental health support that’s right for them.
