Top 5 Myths About Therapy in Maryland
Misconceptions about therapy abound. Separate fact from fiction with a Maryland therapist.
You’ve been trying to sort things out on your own, but you’re still feeling stuck and frustrated. Getting some guidance and support could be really helpful so you are considering starting therapy. But, there may be some things you’ve heard about therapy that don’t sit well with you right now. As a Maryland therapist, I’ve heard a lot of them. Let’s talk about the top myths, what is accurate and what is not.
Myth: Therapy is for people that are weak or “crazy”
FACT: Therapy is for anyone that would like guidance and support in working through challenges in their life (past and/or current) and making desired changes. It is not weak to seek support—it is a sign of strength and resilience to put your energy into a process that can provide hope and help. The stigma against mental health treatment has lessened over the last couple of decades but is still lingering around, creating barriers to getting care that can make a real difference. And you don’t have to feel like things are in dire conditions to benefit from therapy. People seek therapy for many reasons that can improve their lives, peace of mind, wellbeing and relationships.
MYTH: Therapy is JUST paID Venting Like I can get from a friend
FACT: While it can be a relief to have a place to vent about what’s going on in your life, therapy is very different than spilling your frustrations at happy hour with a friend. Therapists are able to give you their undivided attention and see what’s happening from a third-party perspective, without a stake in your personal life. We are trained to look for and understand patterns that can be impacting your life and relationships in unhelpful ways and offer options for moving forward differently. Therapists regularly engage in continuing education in order to keep our licenses current, learning evolving skills and approaches that can offer effective, evidenced-based help for your concerns. Your time in therapy is set aside and protected just for you, without a need for reciprocity in support that exists in a friendship.
MYTH: All Therapy Is the same
FACT: There are many, many, many different approaches to therapy, and all experiences in therapy will be impacted by the particular connection you have with your therapist. Some folks think, “I tried therapy once and it didn’t work so it’s not for me”. There are many variables that can make one experience of therapy different than another, including the specialities, approaches and personality of different therapists, and your own engagement with the process. Finding a therapist that is a good fit for you—with their expertise, approach and personality—is an essential part of increasing the chances of a positive outcome of your time in therapy. Take your time to look around, connect with a few therapists, try something out, and don’t be afraid to keep looking if it’s not the right fit for you. There are so many therapists out there that work and interact completely differently—there’s likely to be one that’s a really good fit for you. It’s worth finding that fit.
MYTH: Therapy will blame all my problems on my childhood & upbringing
FACT: Some discussion about your upbringing is likely, as it can provide important context about your current situation and relationships. But a lot of therapy is heavily focused on what’s going on with you now and how you would like to proceed in order to live into the kind of future that you desire. Pop culture depictions of a client laying on a couch and talking endlessly about their relationship with their mother aren’t accurate or representative of what a lot of therapy is most likely to look like these days. This also links up with the fact that there are different kinds of therapy. Some may focus more on integrating issues from the past and some may focus more on the here and now—ask questions to find what you are seeking! No matter what your past has been, therapists are invested in helping you create a positive present and bright future for yourself, and are not interested in blame and shame.
MYTH: THerapy Will Solve My PRoblems For me
FACT: Therapists are not Google. You don’t plug in a question and get an answer. Therapy is a collaborative process for you to become empowered to make the changes you desire in your life, based on increased understanding and insight that can come out of exploration of your concerns and taking considered, wise actions. Therapists have a wealth of knowledge about approaches, skills, and information that can help you on this path, and can provide encouragement, guidance and support for the work at hand. We may have worked with many other folks with similar presenting issues, such as anxiety or depression or relationship issues, but there is nobody exactly like you so your process will be your own and we want to work with you to find a plan that’s right for you. A good therapist can be a guide, a reference source, a support and a companion on your journey to the life you want to live, but you are the one that ultimately gets yourself there.
want to connect with a Maryland Therapist?
If you are interested in working with a Maryland therapist (either online or in-person, located in College Park), please contact me. I’m happy to offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to hear more about what you are looking for and see if I can help, or point you in the right direction. To learn more about my practice, you can read more about how I can help here.
