Over the years, therapists have been portrayed as funny, serious, flawed individuals working to create a better situation for their clients. While watching Dr. Jennifer Melfi, Dr. Frasier Crane, Sean McGuire, or Dr. Leo Marvin may be entertaining, they can also create a misinterpretation of what is experienced in therapy. Below are a few common myths regarding therapy.
5 Myths About Therapy You Might Believe
1. Therapists give advice that I can get from family and friends.
Friends and family can be a great source of support and encouragement. However, friends and family come with their own feelings and judgements on situations. They have the potential, whether intentional or not, to sway your feelings based on their own. Therapist can provide a safe and objective place where you can express your thoughts and feelings. Therapists are trained to not give advice but ask questions and provide feedback that allow Clients to come to their own conclusions.
2. Something must be really wrong with me to seek out therapy.
Therapy is a wonderful place where individuals, couples, and families can go to give space to the things that are troubling them. It can be a helpful place to work through common life situations, to process feelings, or to learn strategies to better handle life. Therapists are trained to provide a space where the focus is on the Clients’ needs and to provide time for the Client to reflect on their thoughts and feelings.
3. My employer will know what is said in therapy because they pay my insurance.
Therapist must follow HIPAA and confidentiality laws. The only times Therapists are allowed to break confidentiality is if someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, if they disclose harm to a vulnerable population, or if there is a court order. The rules of confidentiality do change if the client is a minor. If confidentiality needs to be broken, it is not done so through the Client’s employer, but through the proper channels to get the person in need assistance.
4. Therapy is too expensive.
If you find that your insurance does not office mental health assistance or the co-pay is too high; there are other alternatives. If you feel you may benefit from a support group, they can cost less than one-on-one counseling. There are options for internship programs where clients can receive short-term, low or no cost therapy provided by trained, supervised interns.
5. I had a bad experience in therapy, there is no need to try again.
Maybe it was a bad fit or bad timing, regardless, a negative experience in therapy is unfortunate. Reflecting on what made the experience bad and what could have been done differently may be helpful. When scheduling an appointment with a new therapist, it may help to be specific in what you are looking for (ex. Specialties, gender, age) so the coordinator can find a good fit. When you feel comfortable, feel free to explain what didn’t work in your last attempt so the therapist can have a better understanding of your needs and help you heal from that experience.
Therapy is a wonderful place to build skills to assist in a successful life. It is a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings on past and current situations. Please continue to watch and be entertained by television and movie therapists, but just remember, like many myths, that it isn’t always based in reality.
If you’re interested in learning more about Avance Care Behavioral Health services to gain professional support for your mental and emotional health, visit here.
