• Mental Health

10 Common Myths About Talk Therapy

As society becomes more open about mental health, seeing a therapist has gradually become less of a stigma. However, there are still a lot of myths and misconceptions about talk therapy. Many people may hesitate to start talk therapy because of preconceived notions about what the experience may be like.

When you think of talk therapy, you may envision a couch and a therapist with a notebook. While this may be true in some cases, not every therapist approaches treatment with the same mentality.

What is Talk Therapy?

Talk therapy (also known as psychotherapy) is the process of meeting with a licensed mental health professional to discuss concerns about your emotional and mental well-being. Some people may see a therapist for a short period to address specific life events or stressors.

Does Talk Therapy Work?

Many people with anxiety disorders and depression include talk therapy as part of their treatment plan. A licensed mental health professional can help you work through your emotions in a safe space.

Other health conditions that talk therapy can help with include:

• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)

• Eating disorders

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Talk therapy works great for managing diagnosed conditions, but you can also see a mental health provider temporarily. People may choose to meet with a therapist to find coping strategies for the following:

• Sudden loss of a loved one

• Substance abuse

• A medical diagnosis

• Relationship issues

• Burnout

• Job loss

Who Benefits from Talk Therapy?

Talk therapy can work for anyone who needs it. If you don’t have access to talk therapy through your primary healthcare provider, many community facilities offer counseling as well. 

Counseling is a short-term form of talk therapy that focuses more on specific concerns like job loss and traumatic incidents. You can find counseling in schools, community organizations, and hospitals in your area.

If you have been considering therapy, approach it with an open mind. Not every type of talk therapy has the same structure. The following is a list of common misconceptions about talk therapy that may prevent someone from seeking treatment.

1. “Talk therapy is only for people with mental health conditions.”

You do not have to be diagnosed with a mental health condition to see a therapist. Everyday stress can be overwhelming for anybody. A therapist can help you sort out your emotions and think about alternatives to potentially harmful decisions.

2. “Therapists can stop a problem from happening.”

A licensed mental health provider is there to help you come up with coping strategies you can use throughout your life to deal with the ups and downs of life. However, seeing a therapist does not prevent issues from occurring.

3. “Talk therapy is too expensive.”

While it’s true that talk therapy in the U.S. can be expensive, there are affordable options for therapy. Online services offer talk therapy at discounted rates for people experiencing financial hardships. Most insurance companies have to cover mental health services to a similar extent as they cover physical ailments.

4. “It takes too long for therapy to work.”

How long you want to go to therapy is completely up to you. You can ask your therapist for advice as well on how much longer you should continue therapy. 

Psychotherapy is typically recommended for long-term treatment, but there are short-term treatment options for talk therapy. If you’re looking to address behavioral concerns or process past emotions or trauma, you may be in therapy for a longer time.

5. “You only need therapy once.”

You can start and stop therapy whenever you want. However, you have to see a therapist more than once to implement healthy new habits. Change occurs gradually and can’t happen overnight.

6. “A therapist only provides solutions.”

Humanistic therapy is one of many types of psychotherapy that focuses on self-improvement. In this form of therapy, a licensed mental health professional helps you to find coping strategies for yourself without forcing concrete solutions.

7. “Therapists overanalyze behavior.”

An important part of being a therapist is observing a person and paying close attention to what they say about their thoughts and feelings. However, a good therapist needs to focus on you as an individual and provide healthy techniques to help you improve. They will also identify strengths you have. 

8. “All therapists work the same.”

Not every therapist works the same. An important part of finding a therapist that works for you is finding someone who understands your cultural background and experiences. Some healthcare providers may be more well-versed in understanding you and your story more than others. It’s important to start therapy with someone you feel comfortable speaking openly with every week.

9. “It’s shameful to need a therapist.”

There’s no shame in needing help from a licensed healthcare provider. A lot of people have experienced therapy at some point in their life to deal with hardships. One person’s triggers of emotional distress may be very different from someone else’s.

It’s natural to want to keep your therapy sessions private. In the U.S., the law requires that therapists keep sessions confidential. You do not have to disclose that you are receiving therapy unless you feel comfortable doing so.

10. “A therapist can provide a cure.”

While a licensed mental health provider can help you manage your emotional well-being, there is no singular cure for how to handle life’s challenges. Therapy provides tools to use in your daily life, but does not offer a cure.

How to Find a Healthcare Provider

You don’t have to let money be a barrier to getting the help you need. Many licensed healthcare providers offer free consultations.

A consultation gives you a low-stakes opportunity to discuss why you want to start therapy and more about yourself with a provider. It can help you decide whether you feel comfortable enough with a healthcare provider to continue seeing them.

If you have health insurance, be sure to check with your insurance company about coverage before meeting with a healthcare provider. If they don’t provide enough coverage, some online therapy options and programs offer discounted talk therapy options for those who need it. Some therapists also offer sliding scale payments where the cost of sessions is based on a person’s income.

Where Can I Learn More About My Mental Health?

LifeMD works with insurance plans that cover mental health services for at least 95% of our patients. Still, there are tips and alternate options for care for people without health insurance.

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