4 Misconceptions of Going to Therapy
What if I find out I am….
You can end this statement several ways I am a bad parent, I am crazy, making it up, the bad guy, etc. I have heard them all. Therapy is not here to help you find out you are this crazy awful person. That is actual the exact opposite of what therapy is. This is where you find out that you are more than you could have ever imagined being. You are loving and caring but yes maybe sometimes this gets you into trouble. So how can you be loving, caring, and do all of this in a way that doesn’t cause you harm? Counseling is about being healthier and happier. I have yet to meet someone who came to therapy who was “just” crazy or “just” making it up. No one would purposely want to have anxiety. Trust me. Therapy is about helping you find your strengths and not about shaming your weaknesses.
2. What could talking do for me? I talk to my friends all the time and I still feel like a wreck!
Well you are right about one thing talking to your friends isn’t going to solve all of your problems. If it did my job would be to help you find friends not to help you find yourself. Your friends are amazing supports but being able to discuss your trauma, anxiety, depression, or gender dysphoria with a professional who is as unbiased as they come, can provide you with tools and perspectives that your loved ones just can’t. Does that mean to stop talking to them…no way! You need supports going through therapy, and in fact having supportive people in your life while facing some hard-uncomfortable stuff can be extremely important in your healing.
3. No matter what you say I am not going on medication!
Great! I don’t want you to. Depending on the severity of your mental health and your time in therapy can determine if medication is right for you. This includes seeing a doctor. I do not prescribe medication and in fact it is one of the last things I suggest. Most client’s symptoms can be relieved by creating healthy habits such as balanced diet, routine exercise, proper sleep, and effective coping strategies that you will learn in therapy. Now will these cure you? No not on their own but they can help as your create lasting change and growth in therapy.
4. Therapy is just going to make things worse.
You know what, it can make things feel worse at first. Bringing up old wounds and difficult memories can be extremely hard to face. This is never going to be fun. The great thing about therapy is yes things will be hard and can make you feel bad but over time you will see great improvement. You will get relief. Instead of stuffing these things down you will be able face them, and potentially let them go.