Myths About Seeking Therapy: Debunking Common Misconceptions

Seeking help for your mental health is one of the most courageous and life-changing decisions you can make. However, misconceptions about seeing a psychologist often prevent people from taking that crucial step. These myths can perpetuate stigma, fear, or misunderstanding, making it harder for individuals to access the help they need. Let’s take a moment to debunk some of the most common myths about therapy and psychologists.

“When you judge yourself for needing help, you judge those you are helping. When you attach value to giving help, you attach value to needing help. The danger of tying your self-worth to being a helper is feeling shame when you have to ask for help. Offering help is courageous and compassionate, but so is asking for help.”

- Brene Brown

Myth 1: “Therapy is for people who are really messed up.”

The truth: Therapy isn’t just for people dealing with severe mental health issues. Sure, it can help if you’re managing anxiety, depression, or trauma, but it’s also for everyday struggles—like feeling overwhelmed at work, navigating a tough breakup, or figuring out what you want in life. Therapy is about growth, not just crisis management.

Myth 2: “I can just talk to my friends or family instead.”

The truth: Talking to loved ones is great, but let’s be honest—they’re not exactly neutral. A psychologist isn’t emotionally involved in your life, so they can offer a fresh perspective and tools that go beyond “Have you tried yoga?” They’re trained to help you unpack your feelings and make sense of them in a way that friends or family just can’t. Also, a psychologist can help you replace those unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviours with healthy ones.

Myth 3: “If I go to therapy, people will think I’m broken.”

The truth: First of all, you’re not broken. You’re human. Seeking therapy isn’t about admitting defeat; it’s about saying, “I deserve to feel better.” And as for what people think? More people go to therapy than you probably realize—they’re just not talking about it (yet).

Myth 4: “Therapy takes forever, and I don’t have time for that.”

The truth: Not every therapy journey is long-term. Some people go for just a few sessions to work through something specific, while others might choose to stick with it for deeper, ongoing work. You set the pace. Plus, investing a little time now can save you from months or years of feeling stuck.

Myth 5: “The therapist will just tell me what I already know.”

The truth: Therapy isn’t about a psychologist telling you what to do or rehashing the obvious. It’s about working together to uncover patterns, identify solutions, and see your situation from a new angle. You might be surprised at how much clarity you gain.

Myth 6: “I’m not ready to talk about my deepest, darkest secrets.”

The truth: You don’t have to spill your guts in your first session—or ever, really. Therapy moves at your pace. It’s about creating a safe space where you feel comfortable enough to explore what’s on your mind, whether that’s big stuff or small stuff.

Myth 7: “Therapy is just sitting on a couch and crying.”

The truth: Sure, you might cry sometimes (it happens!), but therapy isn’t as dramatic as the movies make it seem. Most of the time, it’s just a conversation—a mix of reflecting on your thoughts, learning new tools, and figuring out how to handle whatever life throws at you.

Myth 8: “I can’t afford therapy.”

The truth: Therapy is an investment in yourself, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Many therapists offer sliding-scale fees, and insurance often covers at least part of the cost. Plus, think about how much time and energy you spend trying to “tough it out” on your own. Therapy can help you reclaim that time and focus it on what really matters.

Still on the Fence?

It’s okay to feel unsure. Starting therapy is a big step, and it’s normal to have questions. The most important thing to remember is that therapy is for you. It’s not about fitting into some stereotype of what “therapy people” are like—it’s about giving yourself the support you need to live the life you want.

If you’ve been thinking about therapy but holding back because of these myths, consider this your sign to give it a shot. You deserve to feel good about yourself, your relationships, and your life—and therapy can help you get there.

Ready to start?

Let’s talk. Schedule a session and take that first step toward feeling better. Contact us today.