Unpacking Misconceptions About Therapy: What To Expect

Many efforts over the years have sought to destigmatize mental health. Still, media portrayals of psychotherapy and psychological challenges have led many to believe in common misconceptions about what therapy looks like, how therapists act, and the type of clients that seek treatment. Part of destigmatizing psychology may lie in understanding what therapy actually looks like today and why therapy is for everyone—not just people with specific symptoms. 

Below, look at some of the most common myths about therapy, why they’re untrue, and what to expect when you start treatment. 

Therapy is for everyone

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Media portrayal of therapy and why it can be incorrect 

Popular media outlets often depict a familiar scene where a client decides to go to therapy for the first time, meets with a psychoanalyst instead of a therapist, and is asked to lie down on a sofa or reclining chair and recount traumatic details of their past in one session. In some movies, the therapist might perform methods like hypnosis or sit and nod along as the client talks about complex topics. 

These representations of therapy can be misleading. Although some psychologists might use hypnosis, psychoanalysis, and other methods from early psychology, there are over 400 therapeutic modalities that therapists might use. Therapy is not generally overseen by a psychiatrist, which is a medical doctor, nor does a client have to lie down or talk about their deepest subconscious desires and fears to receive support. 

Common misconceptions about mental health

Before exploring myths about therapy, below are two misconceptions about mental health and psychology in general:

Psychological symptoms only impact the mind 

Only people with a severe mental illness need to go to therapy 

Therapy is often portrayed as an option for those with the most severe mental illnesses or mental states, such as people experiencing psychosis or suicidal thoughts. However, therapy can be beneficial for all people, whether they are mentally ill or not. Therapists can support clients with any topic, and people can use therapy as a tool for improving self-development and becoming mentally healthier in everyday life. 

Some forms of therapy are meant for developing specific skills or working through niche challenges. These modalities may include career counseling, couples therapy for relationship skills, sex therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). Whether you’re experiencing stress, substance use challenges (formerly referred to as substance abuse), relationship conflict, confusion, life transitions, sadness, grief, or another challenge, there’s likely a therapist who specializes in your concerns. 

Common misconceptions about therapy methods

Below are some of the most common myths about therapy methods. You’ll also find information about how therapy works and why these myths are untrue. 

You must reveal everything immediately for therapy to be effective

In movies where a client visits a therapist, you might see the therapist ask the client what brought them to therapy. In response, the client often talks non-stop about their whole life while the therapist nods and listens. This media portrayal is typically inaccurate in terms of what mental health counseling sessions most frequently look like. You may not have to discuss every detail of a situation to receive help. Your connection with the therapist and trust may be more important. 

The treatment modality you choose is more important than your relationship with the therapist 

Although there are hundreds of modalities used during treatment, the modality might not be as important as your connection with the therapist. If you don’t feel safe in session, you may not gain any therapeutic benefit, even if the modality is effective. Having a therapist who shows you that you are safe and can trust them with any topic has been found to be one of the most important parts of therapy. 

Common misconceptions about therapists 

Many misconceptions about therapy relate to the therapists themselves instead of how therapy works. Below are more common myths and why they’re untrue. 

Therapists can be like friends

Therapists must uphold ethical standards outlined by the American Psychological Association (APA), American Counseling Association (ACA), and other governing organizations. The APA outlines that therapists cannot have a double relationship with clients, which means they cannot form platonic, romantic, or sexual connections with clients. Instead, the therapeutic relationship remains professional as a joint problem-solving relationship. In addition, therapists often don’t see their clients’ immediate family members, partners, or friends unless it is part of family or couples therapy, as doing so could be seen as a conflict of interest. 

It’s wrong for a therapist to ask for personal information 

If a therapist asks you for your full name, identification, and address when you seek psychotherapy for mental health challenges, they may be doing so as part of the agreement requirements for their licensure. Requesting this information is often a safety precaution, not an attempt to obtain information without reason. In the event of an emergency, therapists typically want to be sure they can support the client effectively. 

Therapy is a quick fix, and there is only one type of effective therapist

Therapy with clinical psychologists is not generally considered a quick fix unless you use a modality like SFBT, which involves only one to a few sessions. Most evidence-based modalities take several therapy sessions to be effective, and you can be an active participant in your sessions. The therapist is typically not there to tell you what to do but to support you by acting as a sounding board and guiding you through problem-solving. 

If you don’t work through the techniques you learn and don’t apply what you learn in therapy to daily life, you might not find as many benefits. In addition, no one type of therapist is necessarily more effective than others. Many clients benefit from a unique person-centered approach that considers their needs. 

A therapist must be similar to the client to be effective

Some people may look for a therapist who has had life experiences similar to theirs. However, just like a medical doctor doesn’t need to have experienced a broken bone to treat it, a therapist doesn’t need to have the same challenges as a client to support them. Some people find that a therapist with a similar identity or life experience is helpful. However, this factor may not be necessary when seeking a therapist.  

A therapist only cares because they’re paid to care

Therapists are human beings who experience emotions and empathy. Not becoming invested in the growth of the person they’re supporting can be challenging, as therapists often go into the profession hoping to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Although therapists don’t constantly think about clients and are trained not to value one client over another, they often care about who they work with, regardless of pay. 

The benefits of therapy, according to science 

Many forms of therapy have been found effective in treating mental health conditions and many common mental health challenges, such as self-doubt and relationship challenges. According to the National Institute of Care and Excellence and the APA, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often considered the most effective approach for common mental disorders like anxiety and depression. However, other modalities can also be effective. Below are some findings scientists have reported on the effectiveness of therapy: 

• Research suggests that 70% of couples who try couples therapy find it helpful.
• Seven out of 10 studies found eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) to be faster and more effective than trauma-focused CBT in treating emotional trauma or adverse life experiences.
• Exposure therapy can be highly effective in treating specific phobias.
• Art therapy can be an effective way to process challenges without having to discuss them in great detail.

How to find a therapist that works for you 

Consider consulting with multiple providers to learn more about their methodologies when seeking therapy. Many providers offer a free short consultation to answer prospective clients' questions. You can also get a sense of whether you might have a good working relationship with a specific therapist. Other factors to consider include whether the provider takes your insurance or if you’ll pay out of pocket, the provider's specialization, and whether you want a hands-on or laid-back approach. You might also ask yourself if you want to meet with an LGBTQ, BIPOC, spiritual, religious, male, female, or non-binary therapist. Having these ideas in mind can be helpful before you make your first call. 

Alternative mental health counseling options 

In some cases, finding an in-person therapist isn’t feasible or comfortable for a client due to distance, finances, or other barriers. If you’re struggling to find a therapist in your area or if you prefer a different format, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp for individuals or Regain for couples may be more suitable for you. 

Studies have found that online therapy can be effective for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and increasing clients’ quality of life. In addition, online therapy tends to be more cost-effective than in-person therapy, and you can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions when selecting an appointment time with your therapist.