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Mood Disorders and Mindfulness

December 5, 2019

5 Common Deceptive Myths About Therapy Debunked

Let’s debunk a few myths about therapy! Why? Simple, you won’t go unless you know the truth and not the rumors surrounding therapy.

It’s 2019 and while we have made good strides towards opening our minds to mental illness, psychotherapy and the effects events have upon our life…we remain slow to take advantage  of resources.

Myths About Therapy: “They will tell me I am crazy”

Fact: When deciding to go to a therapist for assistance in improving your quality of life, it can be nerve wrecking.

“What will this person be like” “Will they understand what I am going through” etc. That is understandable.

HOWEVER, therapist do not (or should not) pass judgement or define you as “crazy”.

If you have a mental illness, then you have a mental illness. Crazy is “defined as mentally deranged, especially as manifested in a wild or aggressive way.

” What does that even mean?

Essentially the word crazy it what we want it to mean, how we use it in conversation or (in most cases) societal definition of it.

Myths About Therapy: “They just want my money”

Fact: Just like most other human beings therapist need money to survive.

They have gone to school, learned a craft and provide a service for a fee. Similar to going to your primary doctor, you expect them to bill your insurance or to have a copay because you received a service.

However, there are many, many, MANY more lucrative careers that will provide the financially stability other than becoming a therapist.

Many therapist offer pro bono service to individuals that cannot afford but need treatment.

Some work at non-profit organizations or community/state agencies that do not pay as well but that population needs assistance too. They want to help.

Debunking myths about therapy text with therapy office in background

Related Post: 5 Ways To Support Someone With Depression

Myths About Therapy: “My friends can do the same job as a therapist”

Fact: While your friends may offer excellent support during troubling times it is not the same as therapy.

Your friends may offer advice to solving a problem or go out with you socially however this is not the same as therapy.

As the American psychiatric Association defines it “Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a way to help people with a broad variety of mental illnesses and emotional difficulties.

Psychotherapy can help eliminate or control troubling symptoms so a person can function better and can increase well-being and healing”. In other word, therapist don’t give you answers to your problem (because that’s what we would do) rather help you determine what solution would suit you.

Therapist help identify behaviors and thoughts that your friends are not trained to pick up on or would rather not jeopardize the relationship by mentioning any “shortcomings” you may have.

Myths About Therapy: “They will make me think something happened that didn’t”

Fact: Trauma discussion does come up when in therapy IF IT HAPPENED!

Therapist are trained in identified signs and red flags to individuals who have experienced trauma and the individuals who has experience may process it with you.

Historically, individual therapist have processed in a way that led clients to believe they had sexual trauma where they had not.

However as time, knowledge and training has improved this happens less often.

Related Post: The Stigma of Mental Health

Myths About Therapy: “Therapy is for people with REAL problems”

Fact: Therapy is for everyone

Do not get hung up on the fact that you have to have an addiction, trauma or mental health disorder to speak with a mental health professional.

Many therapist in private practice help individuals who have life stressors, relationship issues, identity issues and etc.

Therapy can help you resolve a multitude of life stressors and issues. Don’t allow stigma and limitations to affect your decision of whether or not you receive therapy.

I would also add that even therapist have therapist!

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Filed in: Mental Health • by justjess18 • 13 Comments

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About justjess18

Comments

  1. Cassie

    December 5, 2019 at 7:56 pm

    Everyone’s problems are “real!” Our six-year-old has a harder time than most her age processing her emotions in a healthy manner and we’ve been in therapy this semester so she (and us so we can help her) has the tools she needs to handle them. She looks forward to it.

    Reply
  2. Nicole

    December 5, 2019 at 9:02 pm

    What a great post! I used to have similar beliefs, that therapists were a waste, that I could talk to someone I know for free, and all these other buzzing nightmares floating around. Until one day I was forced to make a decision for my son’s ADHD and ODD. And now that therapist has been the life-saving source for my little guy and our family. So, these myths you debunked are so on point! Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  3. Beth Elkassih

    December 5, 2019 at 9:16 pm

    Jessie, this article needs to be seen by everyone! You are so right about the misconceptions of one going to see a therapist. They are truly life-changing, especially if you get someone who genuinely cares and I believe you’re one of them! Many blessings.

    Reply
  4. Emma

    December 6, 2019 at 11:25 am

    This is so brilliant. There still seems to be a stigma around therapy but also a hesitation or fear. Great idea to myth bust!

    Reply
  5. Lia

    December 6, 2019 at 7:47 pm

    This a great post. Therapists are very important and should be a part of everyone’s lives. I actually have played with the idea of taking a course and becoming a therapist! Thank you!

    Reply
    • justjess18

      December 7, 2019 at 1:53 pm

      They are very benefical! If you decide to get your masters let me know I would love to help you!

      Reply
  6. Tiara

    December 10, 2019 at 1:46 am

    I love this post because I have a goal to be a social worker or substance abuse counselor. This is what everyone needs to hear. And yes!! Even therapist have therapist. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  7. Melissa

    December 10, 2019 at 6:47 am

    Great post. Some people get scared to reveal personal information to a therapist. But, more people should read your blog post. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  8. Manahil

    December 10, 2019 at 11:53 am

    The best read of the day <3 Will share with friends and family for sure

    Reply
  9. Sharon Green

    December 10, 2019 at 2:59 pm

    Love this post!! Great information and well written. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  10. Deandra

    December 12, 2019 at 5:12 pm

    There are so many stigmas about therapy that scare people off from it. I’m glad you shut some of those myths down with facts. Therapy definitely is for everyone, and I hope more people decide to go to therapy in the future.

    Deandra|theblackprincessdiaries.com

    Reply
  11. Patty

    December 13, 2019 at 4:52 am

    Great post that highlights myths related to mental health therapy!

    Reply

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  1. 4 Brilliant Tips To Cope With Seasonal Affective Disorder - Just Call Me Jess says:
    July 23, 2020 at 12:47 pm

    […] is important to have psychotherapy services during this time and there are multiple reasons for this. There have been many studies […]

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JESS

JustcallmeJess

As a licensed social worker working in an adult community mental health center in the South, Jess seeks to spread awareness and educate those who may otherwise never gain mental health information.

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