Misconceptions About Therapy (Part 3)

Myth #4: Counseling doesn’t help or will make the situation worse

Every person is different, and every person has different needs – the results from counseling are not going to be identical for everyone. But most of the time, counseling will provide you with support, new perspectives, and a plan to tackle your problems. As therapists, we also monitor the progress of our clients and adjust treatment as needed to ensure the best results.

When I read this myth, it reminds me that the concepts of weakness and vulnerability tend to get confused with each other. There is a vulnerability in sharing what you’re going through and what you’re feeling, but that is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it is courageous to open up to someone. It’s an act of strength to take steps to better yourself when you’re not feeling your best. Vulnerability is not a weakness but rather a quality to take pride in, not be shameful of. As a counselor, it is my goal to offer a safe, non-judgmental space to support you in making healthy changes while using science-based techniques.

With all that being said, research shows that one of the main factors of effective counseling is the relationship between you and your therapist. So I can’t stress enough the importance of finding a counselor that you feel like you can be yourself and open up to. Keep in mind, you don’t “click” with every single person you meet and everyone doesn’t respond the same way to the same exact form of any kind of treatment. Counselors and counseling treatments are no different and not every counselor will be a perfect fit for you. That’s okay. We want you to see results from your counseling experience so no good counselor should be offended if you are “shopping around” for other counselors in order to find your right fit. I’ve also found in my experience that therapists are very well connected in the community and will often help you find another colleague in the area.

Myth #5: All therapy is the same

It’s not uncommon for people to try one kind of therapy, and if it doesn’t suit their needs, to assume that all therapy isn’t effective. Going to therapy is a big decision, so when it doesn’t work, it’s frustrating. And it can be hard to try again and open up to someone new. But here’s the thing: There are many different types of therapy, and it may take some trial and error to find what works best for you.

For example, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) may help someone who’s having a hard time dealing with intense emotions and a shaky sense of self; while cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on changing unhelpful, negative thoughts, which might be amplifying your anxiety or depression. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies along with commitment and behavior-change strategies to increase psychological flexibility and these are just to name a few. I have found that clients who have done their research and have explored different counseling approaches, like the ones mentioned above, tend to be more willing and open to techniques of change; which can sometimes speed up their counseling journey.