Theraputic Treatment is Not Something To Be Afraid Of

As a therapist and as a person who attends therapy, I am able to speak from experience about the importance attending therapy. Imagine you’re driving in your car when you suddenly hear a strange noise. You ignore the noise at first and hope that it will go away. You could fix it yourself, but you would need years of training and experience. You could take your car to a mechanic who has years of experience to repair it. Why do we avoid professional help for our mental health? And if we do go to a therapist, why it is seen as something to keep quiet about and not share with others?

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and the two are intimately related. Mental health is a problem that many people will face at some point. One in five people will be diagnosed as having a mental disorder, according to research. Unfortunately, people may be discouraged from reaching out to professionals because of the misconceptions and stigma that exist around therapy and mental health.

Common misconceptions

You are not alone in your struggles, just as you are not alone in overcoming them. Here are some common misconceptions regarding the treatment of mental health.

Going to therapy indicates weakness or instability

Sometimes, we feel like we must be able to solve our problems on our own. It is difficult to admit that you need help. However, everyone does. Reaching out for help can be a brave and strong move. Therapy can help you work through difficulties, make positive changes, and support you in your personal development, no matter how big or small your particular struggles may be.

Therapy will only focus my childhood

This is a big myth that is often portrayed by the media, which could be a result of Sigmund Freud’s original focus on childhood in psychoanalysis. While many mental health concerns can stem from childhood trauma or neglection, a therapist can help you cope with the difficulties you face today, even if you have to discuss your childhood.

But much of what a therapist will discuss with you regards present and future struggles and how to overcome them. Although past experiences are important to understand your thoughts and emotions, the focus of therapy is on using skills to move forward in your life. In the analogy of a car, you would not wait until the wheels fell off to get repairs. To keep your car safe, you would take care of minor issues. It is dangerous to believe that your struggles are not “serious enough” for therapy. This could lead someone to avoid seeking the help they need. You don’t need to face your mental health concerns alone. They are valid and deserve treatment. Good friends can be a great support in all areas of life. Their friendships can be helpful in getting through tough times, but they are not trained and licensed mental health professionals, and they may not give the best advice even if they have good intentions.

• Friends should not be put into the role of a therapist. Your friends are not only unqualified, but putting them in that position could strain your relationship. This can cause more harm than good, so it is important to set boundaries to protect yourself, your friends and your relationship. Instead, seek the help of a trained professional.

Therapy isn’t worth the money

Cost is a big factor that many people will consider when seeking professional help. When it comes to therapy there is a common misconception that the cost outweighs its benefits. Does it affect your happiness? Relationships? Work? The perception of therapy is that it is something you must do for a long time. It may even be the rest of your lifetime. The length and frequency depends on each person’s struggles and goals. It may be more beneficial to spread out sessions over time in order to address deeper issues. Therapists are trained to know when you’ve made progress, and you may come to a point in a session where you no longer need any help because you’ve gained the skills you need to keep yourself mentally healthy.

• Therapy isn’t based on science

Therapy has been inaccurately represented as frivolous or lacking in scientific backing. Therapy is often perceived as being inferior to other health care professionals. This has led to the stigma of therapy having little accuracy or validity. Some even call it “pseudoscience” or “psychobabble.”

This isn’t true at all. The results of Dr. John Gottman’s Love Lab are used in all forms of therapy to give you useful information. The science behind therapeutic methods is required to become a licensed psychotherapist. The strategies and tools that qualified therapists share with you are proven to work because they are based on scientific research concerning the impact of therapy on hundreds or even thousands of people over the course of many years, even decades.

• Therapists can only help if they’ve had the same experience as you

Everyone wants to be understood and validated, and we tend to believe that this understanding comes from experiencing the same situations and struggles. Understanding can come from different experiences, as well. Understanding another’s experience requires empathy, which therapists are trained to express even if they haven’t encountered the same difficulties that you have.

Therapists can gain an understanding of your situation as they may have encountered your struggle in a different context. Therapists are trained to help you in the best way possible. They have different styles and approaches to therapy, so sometimes a specific therapist may not be the right fit for you, but they can always refer you to someone who will be of better assistance.

• Isn’t medication more effective than therapy?

There is a misconception that prescribed medication from a psychiatrist is more useful and beneficial than participating in therapy with a mental health professional. It can cause people to believe that medication is their only option, which can be harmful. The research shows that people who combine medication with therapy have the best outcomes, particularly when they are receiving treatment for substance abuse or addiction. It is important to find the right balance for yourself. Combining therapy with medication prescribed by a psychiatrist may be the best way to help you overcome your mental health issues. You can discuss medication with your therapist who can then refer you to a psychiatrist who can assist with your specific difficulties. Some psychiatrists are also trained therapists, so you might find a professional that can provide both therapy and prescriptions.

Therapists have it all figured out, right?

• The idea that therapists always have happy, harmonious lives is another misconception about therapy. Because therapists are highly trained and experienced, many believe that their lives are wrinkle-free, perfect, and they have figured out everything. Remind yourself that therapists have their own struggles. Many of the best therapists also have their own therapists. If you need assistance, seek it immediately. You should seek professional help if you need it. Forget the stigma attached to therapy.

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