Common Myths about Therapy

Seeking therapy is an important commitment to life change and improvement. Common misconceptions about seeking therapy are often based on media presentations of psychologists and psychotherapy. This may actually prevent someone from seeking help when they might otherwise benefit from therapy. Dr. Phil (as an example) portrays a seldom-seen-in-real-life therapist and yet many patients fear therapy because they don't want to be treated in the manner they witness on his program. That is television - it isn't therapy. He quickly blames, shames, and confronts patients. A good psychologist or psychotherapist doesn't behave in that manner. Most psychologists enter the field because we are genuinely caring and have a sincere desire to help our other people become happier and more functional. We can be confrontive, when we believe it is necessary and will be helpful; however, it is usually presented in a way that can be heard and accepted by the patient and used to their benefit. We don't confront just to get better ratings. And we never blame or shame patients. Even when working with horrendous behavior, we seek to understand the basis for that behavior and help the patient to make necessary changes from deep within. Blaming and shaming are not effective change strategies; we never use these techniques. We are not seeking better ratings, but better patient outcomes; there is a huge difference in these motivations.
People go to therapy because they want help with their relationships, their stress, their moods, their parenting, their past wounds, their addictions, their obsessive behaviors, and their grief. They believe that getting this help will result in a better life. There is absolutely no shame in wanting a better life. In fact, this desire and the effort to change deserve to be applauded, not condemned. This is why we honor and genuinely care for our patients.
That being said, the following are some commonly believed myths about therapy and psychologists:

Therapy is like paying for a friend: There is a huge difference between talking to a psychologist and talking to a friend. My belief is that you are paying for my time, my expertise, my knowledge, my years of education and training, and my skill; the caring is free. Your friend will have the caring but your friend won't have the expertise, knowledge, or skill to help you.

Medication is just as effective as therapy: Some problems are helped significantly with medication. The medical model (biochemical model) assumes that most psychological problems are caused by biochemistry. However, we know that biochemical changes are often another symptom of psychologically based problems - not the cause. Often, it does prove helpful to correct the biochemical problems. However, research has continually proven most people obtain best outcome with a combination of medication and therapy. There are some problems that are not helped with medication. Issues stemming from childhood wounds, relationship issues, parenting issues, stress issues, cognitive problems, addictive issues, eating disorders, and many other problems are most effectively treated with psychotherapy.

Therapy is just about thinking happy thoughts: I wish it was that easy; it isn't. Therapy doesn't work just by thinking happy thoughts. In order to be deeply happy, each individual needs to face the parts of them that aren't okay. Working with patients one-on-one, psychologists are able to go through a person's painful past and bring hope for a better, more peaceful future. Until we delve into our past and resolve core beliefs and behaviors connected to that past, we are always haunted and controlled by the past. Good therapy allows people to go to those places where they have been wounded, resolve those issues, and continue life with significantly healthier core beliefs.

Going to therapy means you must be crazy: A recent Harris poll has revealed that 27% of adults in America receive mental health treatment at some time. Most people are trained from childhood to be independent and to solve problems on their own. They don't want to need help from someone; but they do. Needing help is not a sign of weakness; we all suffer and we all need help from time to time. Life is hard. Most people who go to psychologists are ordinary people. They aren't crazy. They are just seeking a better life.

Therapy will cost a small fortune: Seeing a psychologist can be expensive, however, most insurance companies recognize the value of mental health treatment and offer benefits that you can access for the treatment. But there is another view to consider: what is the cost of not seeking help? What is the price you will pay if you don't seek help? Your job performance? Your job security? Your relationship? Your children's well-being? Think about how your distress is causing problems in other areas of your life and then make your decision with that consideration. It will likely be the best money spent.

Therapy will never end: Therapy will not take over your life. Most of our patients feel much better in 3 - 6 months, some in even less time, it depends on the chronicity of the problems and the many arms that problem may have extended into your life (relationship problems, family issues, etc.). Some of us carry deep childhood wounds and, for those of us, therapy may extend longer. Most people experience symptom relief in a matter of months.

Psychologists will blame you and shame you: This is a belief that comes from media representations of psychologists. This is not how therapy works in real life. Good therapy is about caring, compassion, teaching skills, helping you achieve goals, and bringing improvement in your overall functioning. Shame and blame are not helpful.

Therapy will make your problems worse: In good therapy, sometimes your problems do get worse before they get better. Bringing painful beliefs, memories, and behaviors into awareness can be difficult. However, it is also a necessary part of optimal functioning in the present and the future. A good psychologist will guide you through the healing experience and attend, at the same time, to your present functioning. It is important to a good psychologist for your present functioning to remain stable while you do your healing work. You should not be overwhelmed by your memories of the past and become less functional in your present life.

At Corner Canyon Counseling and Psychological Services all of our psychologists, counselors, and therapists are well-trained and willing to help. We serve both South Salt Lake County and Northern Utah County.

You can find out more about us at www.cornercanyoncounseling.com.

We are located in Draper just off the Bangerter exit. Our office address is 248 East 13800 South, Suite 4. You may reach our office by calling 801.816.1801 during office hours.