5 Misconceptions About Talking to a Licensed Therapist
Although the stigma surrounding therapy is beginning to fade, there are still many misconceptions about talking to a licensed therapist. These misconceptions may seem harmless, but they can prevent people from seeking professional help when they need it. Here are 5 common misconceptions about therapy and why they aren’t correct:
1) Talking to a Therapist is Like Talking To a Friend
This is one of the most common misconceptions about therapy. It may feel this way because patients share intimate details about their lives and feelings with their therapist, but there are a couple of critical differences. First, the therapist does not reciprocate by sharing details of their lives and feelings with the patient. They maintain professional boundaries in order to keep the focus on the patient. Therapists also try to maintain an objective view of the patient’s problems whereas a friend’s view is likely to be influenced by their relationship with the person. Finally, licensed therapists take patient confidentiality very seriously and will not share the patient’s information with others. With friends, there is always a risk that information someone doesn’t want to be spread around gets shared with others.
2) Only People With Serious Issues Talk to Licensed Therapists
Many people think that in order to seek therapy you must be struggling profoundly with mental illness or trauma. This misconception is likely to keep people who could benefit from therapy from seeking it or delay them seeking it until the problem is severe. Therapy is not just for people with severe mental illness or trauma. It can be very beneficial to people suffering from mild mental illnesses or those who are simply having a difficult time in their lives. Therapy often helps people let go of maladaptive coping mechanisms, no matter how minor, and learn healthier ways to cope with problems. For example, people experiencing the loss of a loved one can benefit from therapy because it can teach them skills to better cope with the loss.
3) All Therapists are the Same
This misconception may cause people who don’t click with their first therapist to give up on therapy altogether. But all therapists are not the same, so it is important for patients to search for a therapist they feel comfortable with and can easily talk to. Because therapy is so personal, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some patients prefer therapists who have a more sensitive approach while others prefer a more no-nonsense approach to therapy. It is also important for a therapist to be able to relate to the patient’s age group in order to better understand and advise them. It is fairly common that a patient doesn’t click with the first therapist they see. Finding a therapist who is the right fit is a critical aspect of therapy success.
4) Therapy is Unnecessary Because it is Common Sense
Many people hold the belief that therapy is unnecessary because the advice therapists give is common sense. While it is true that some people are able to work through problems by themselves, this requires the ability to view yourself objectively and identify maladaptive traits. This is not something many people can do, so it is helpful for them to see a therapist. Additionally, a therapist can provide an outside perspective on the patient’s problems and be a source of new ideas for solutions. It is also important for those with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, etc. to see a therapist and work with a psychologist as the treatment of these disorders requires more extensive therapy and generally requires medication.
5) Therapists Tell You What to Do
This misconception leads people to hold unrealistic expectations of therapy. Therapists rarely tell a patient what to do directly, the exception being if the therapist is concerned for the patient’s safety. Usually, therapists will try to guide the patient in determining the best course of action. This is done by asking them questions about the course of action they wish to take, facilitating an examination of it, and providing the patient with a different perspective and new ideas. Therapists also serve as a source of accountability for the patient which can cause the patient to be more thoughtful about their actions in everyday life.
