Have you been thinking about getting into therapy? It's an anxiety producing process to think about going to someone and talking about whatever is bothering you. In addition, a strong stigma exists in our society about getting help. Well, in an effort to start normalizing the therapy process, I thought I'd address some common myths of therapy.
Myth #1: Therapy is only for people in crisis.
Like many people, going to therapy for a check-up may never cross your mind. You may believe that therapy is reserved only for those individuals who are in crisis. Therapy is helpful for everyone for every circumstance. Whether you need some extra support during a minor life transition or are struggling through a major hardship, therapy can be beneficial.
Myth #2: I will lay on a couch and talk about my dreams.
Many therapists have couches in their offices, but I have yet to go to one where you actually lay down with them sitting behind you while you talk about your dreams. Early forms of therapy may have started with the free association, thanks to Sigmund Freud, but modern therapy usually is face-to-face and can be viewed more like a regular conversation.
Myth #3: Therapy is too expensive.
On the contrary, therapy may be the more cost effective solution to whatever issue is at hand. To see this perspective, you will have to think of therapy as an investment. If you are willing to invest in working directly on the issue in therapy, that may be the fastest way to find resolution to the problem. Many times people go to therapy as the last resort, meanwhile they have caused more damage in the relationship or spent more money as a means of distraction. Like any investment, it takes time, energy, and finances, but in the end the benefits outweigh the initial cost.
There are many therapy services in the community to meet any budget. You can find therapists through your insurance and you only have to pay your co-pay. However, if you choose not to go through your insurance, you can find other providers willing for you to pay out of pocket and some offer sliding fee scales. A sliding fee scale is usually determined based on your annual income and your number of dependents. Lastly, if you are employed, check with your HR and ask about whether or not you have an employee assistance program (EAP). An employee assistance program provides you, the employee, therapy benefits at the cost of your company. Usually your company partners with an EAP and will pay for a certain number of therapy sessions per employee. In addition, EAP services are confidential and a detailed record of you seeking treatment does not go back to your employer.
Myth #4: Once I begin therapy, I'll be in it for life.
The reason for entering therapy has a great impact on how long you will participate in the therapy process. Yes, for some people therapy is a long-term process; however, for other people therapy can be quite brief. Your therapist should go at your pace.
Myth #5: Everyone will know I am in therapy.
People will know you are in therapy only if you tell them. Therapy for every person is a personal journey and process. As long as the therapist you are seeing adheres to the code of ethics of their field, the therapists must abide by keeping their clients' identifying information confidential.
Obviously, this is not an exhaustive list. Even with these myths debunked, starting therapy can be scary. However, getting support for yourself is comforting and the right thing to do.
