5 Common Misconceptions About Therapy

5 Common Misconceptions About Therapy

Therapy is often misunderstood, surrounded by myths and stigmas that prevent many people from seeking the support they need. In reality, therapy is a powerful tool for personal growth, mental well-being, and improved quality of life. Whether you’re facing significant challenges or simply want to better understand yourself, therapy can be beneficial for everyone.

Here are five common misconceptions:

“Therapy is only for people with severe problems.”
Many believe that therapy is reserved for those with mental health disorders or major crises. While therapy is indeed vital for addressing significant challenges, it’s equally valuable for everyday stress, relationship issues, and personal growth. Think of it as a tune-up for your emotional health, much like regular exercise for your body.

“Going to therapy means I’m weak.”
Seeking therapy is actually a sign of strength. It takes courage to confront your thoughts and emotions and work toward positive change. Therapy empowers individuals to develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence—tools that make you stronger, not weaker.

“Therapists just listen to you complain.”
While a therapist does provide a nonjudgmental space for you to express yourself, their role goes far beyond listening. Therapists are trained to guide you through self-discovery, teach coping strategies, and help you develop healthier patterns of thinking and behavior.

“Therapy is a never-ending process.”
Therapy isn’t always a lifelong commitment. Many people attend therapy for a specific issue or goal and stop when they’ve achieved progress. Others may choose periodic sessions to maintain their mental health, much like visiting a doctor for annual checkups.

“Therapy is too expensive.”

While therapy can be an investment, many therapists offer sliding scale fees, and some services are covered by insurance. The benefits of therapy—improved mental health, relationships, and overall well-being—often far outweigh the costs. At Galvin Growth Group, our Intake Specialist will work with you to determine exactly what your insurance will cover.

Therapy is an invaluable tool for many individuals. If you’re on the fence about working with a therapist, contact us today and our intake specialist will be happy to discuss your options with you.


Sources

Psychology Today, 10 Common Myths About Therapy

Psych Central, 7 Common Myths About Psychology