Life will always have many highs and many lows. Some people tend to deal with their problems single-handedly while others look to the comfort of therapists for help. However, when it comes to therapists, there are many misconceptions about what they do and how therapy can help people, especially in the South Asian community where mental illness can carry a stigma, which can cause many suffering from mental illnesses to stay away from medical care and therapy.
Here are some of the most common myths about therapy and why it might actually be good for you to try:
Truth: Therapists spend many years in school studying the human mind and behavior. They are there to help you deal with any issue or problem you are dealing with, and they can help you see things from a different point of view and aim to help you resolve complex matters. Regardless of the reason you may seek out therapy—whether it is for self-esteem issues, substance abuse or personal issues—they are there to help you do what is best for you.
Truth: While it may seem that the simplest forms of advice should be seen as common sense, this is not how therapy works. For example, you may often hear people say that therapy is not needed because it only rehashes obvious or inherent knowledge. While this may seem true, common sense is often lost in translation between our minds and our emotions—and so, therapy is there to reinforce it. Therapy sessions give you the ability to self-reflect, gain insight, and see problems from a different angle.
Truth: If you go into a therapy session with a negative attitude, you will likely prove this myth to be true. It’s important to note that you are not going to get all the answers to heal your mind from only one therapy session. Therapy consists of multiple sessions that slowly unpack the reasons you sought out help in the first place. Therapy also helps you think about alternatives to your current behavior, as well as think in-depth about any past behaviors. So, multiple sessions would be more helpful to clear your mind. Plus, the number of sessions needed vary from individual to individual, it all comes down to the progress you make during each visit.
Truth: At first glance, most people are usually concerned about the price of therapy—but it does not have to be expensive. There are communities that give free therapy and counseling sessions, and many health insurances do cover the costs. It is a good idea to look into finding the right therapist, preferably one who will accept your insurance. You can use websites like PsychologyTodayTherapists to find therapists in your area and filter them by your insurance provider.
Truth: It is important to have an uplifting attitude during dark moments, but even that cannot solve every problem. Brushing off a problem often worsens it—so you may need to seek help from a therapist. Therapists provide a way to help you understand what is going on and can guide you to make the right decisions.
Truth: One of the most widespread misconceptions about therapy is that only people who need help for substance abuse or mental instability need to seek mental help. This notion is 100 percent untrue. The purposes of therapy vary from person to person and can include obstacles such as low self-esteem, relationship issues, domestic violence, marriage, divorce, and familial issues.
Truth: Like doctors, each therapist is specialized in different areas ranging from cognitive therapy to psychoanalytic therapy. In addition to this, each therapist also has a different way of conducting his or her session. Finding the right therapist is like finding the right hairdresser—it takes time, and chemistry is pivotal in building the right relationship to suit your needs and help you become a better person in the long run.
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