5 Common Misunderstandings About Therapy
Starting therapy can feel intimidating and even a little scary. You might not know what to expect or how a therapist could help with challenges like work stress, parenting issues, or relationship conflicts. It’s also common to wonder if therapy can make a real difference in your life.
These doubts are perfectly normal, especially given the ongoing stigma around mental health. Many people hesitate to talk openly about their therapy experiences out of fear of being seen as "weak" or "crazy." There's also the worry that therapy might not help, or that life will remain unchanged.
To address these concerns, we’ve put together a list of five common misconceptions about therapy. This list isn't exhaustive, but it does provide insights into what you can expect from therapy and might help you decide whether it could be beneficial for you.
1: Therapy is just like talking to a friend, but you pay them
A lot of people think therapy is just venting to someone, similar to chatting with a good friend. So, why is therapy different?
Therapists are trained to see the "clinical picture," a comprehensive view of all the factors contributing to your distress. This allows them to help you address the root causes of your issues, rather than just managing symptoms. Therapists also use specialized techniques, like emotionally focused therapy for relationship challenges, to strengthen bonds or trauma therapy for PTSD. Their training and experience equip them to guide you toward lasting, meaningful change.
2: Therapy will make me feel worse about my problems
Some people worry that discussing their problems in therapy will make them feel worse. This misconception often stems from the fear that a therapist will judge them or simply tell them how to fix things. In reality, therapy is about building on your strengths and collaborating with you to solve problems. Shame and judgment have no place in a therapy session, and if you ever feel judged, it's important to address it with your therapist. The goal of therapy is to empower you, not to make you feel worse.
3: I wouldn’t know what to talk about in therapy, and it would be awkward
It’s normal to feel awkward about starting therapy, especially if you're unsure what to talk about. But remember, therapists are there to help guide the conversation. They’re like investigators, working with you to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. If you’re anxious about not knowing what to say, don’t worry—your therapist will help keep the conversation flowing, making your time together productive and meaningful.
4: Talking about a traumatic experience will only make me feel worse
This is a powerful misconception that often keeps people from seeking help for traumatic experiences. While it’s true that trauma work in therapy can be challenging, it’s also an opportunity to heal. Trauma can have a lasting impact on your nervous system, leading to symptoms like heightened anxiety and hypervigilance. Therapy offers tools to manage these symptoms and helps your nervous system find calm and safety again. Research supports the effectiveness of various therapies in reducing trauma symptoms and improving overall quality of life.
5: Therapy is only for “crazy” people, and I don’t need it
This misconception often deters people from seeking therapy in the first place. The truth is, therapy is for anyone and everyone. You don’t need to be in a crisis or have a severe mental health issue to benefit from therapy. Just as you would see a doctor for a physical injury, you could consider therapy for mental, emotional and relationship challenges. Whether you’re dealing with a life transition or change, anxiety, depression, relationships or trauma, therapy can help you navigate your struggles and improve your quality of life.
Ready to Start Therapy in Alberta?
If you’re considering therapy, we're here to support you every step of the way. Our team of experienced therapists specializes in anxiety, PTSD and trauma therapy, couples counselling, family therapy, OCD treatment, life transition and change counselling and therapy for ADHD, depression, stress, life transitions and grief, and relationship therapy for adults, children, teens, couples and families. We offer in-person sessions at our Olds, Alberta office, as well as online counselling for anyone located in Alberta. We’re committed to helping you on your journey toward a healthier, happier life.