Top 6 misconceptions about Therapy
Stop the stigma! Read more about the most common misconceptions!
Misconception 1:
“Going to Therapy means you are ‘crazy’ or that something is wrong” <– FALSE
This is a very common misconception that going to Therapy is equivalent to having a serious mental illness. On the contrary, it is actually very common for people to go to Therapy due to stress, work-related stress, want help setting career and life goals, improving their relationships with family and partners, and just to understand themselves better. This stops many people from going to Therapy as Therapy is associated with mental disorders and that something is ‘wrong’.
Misconception 2:
“Going to Therapy means you are weak or that you have failed” <– FALSE
This is another common misconception that going to Therapy means you cannot handle things on your own, and that you are weak. This is unfortunately too common especially in modern society (and Asian culture) that we appear to be independent, strong, capable, high-achieving, and does not allow ‘weakness’.However, this itself can cause a lot of distress and have a negative impact on mental health as it can lead to anxiety, depression, eating disorders and much more.
Misconception 3:
“Therapy is shameful” <– FALSE
This is related to the misconception of ‘weakness’. Therapy is misconceived as being ‘mentally ill’ or ‘weak’, and having a mental illness itself is heavily stigmatized and discriminated in society. Just like you would not discriminate or judge someone with physical illness, you should not discriminate or look down upon those with mental illness. There is nothing to be ashamed about, regardless of the reason for attending Therapy, whether is due to mental illness, stress, relationships, goal setting, or other problems. Instead, it is a sign of strength, that we recognize and acknowledge the issue and we have the courage to face and address the issues, and improve our lives.
Misconception 4:
“The time is not right for Therapy” <– FALSE
There is no ‘right time’ for starting Therapy. This can be related to procrastination, shame, misconceptions, or in denial of their feelings. It is much more helpful to reach out and go to Therapy earlier. Why prolong suffering when you can manage it earlier?
Misconception 5:
“Problems will be fixed after Therapy” <– FALSE
After going to Therapy, some people expect immediate solutions to problems, or that it can be fixed right away, or that it will be solved FOR them. However, it is a process of continuous learning and improvement, and therapists are there to listen, provide support, and equip you with better skills to facilitate your recovery.
Misconception 6:
“Therapists will tell you what to do, the answers to every problem” <– FALSE
Some people go to Therapy expecting therapists to give them a direct answers or opinions on a problem, and expect therapists to make decisions for them. However, this should not be the case because you are in control of your own life, and they will only equip you with skills for better coping, decision making, thinking and reacting to stressors and life events.
