Have you always resisted the notion of going to psychotherapy?
If so, you’re not alone. In fact, you’ve likely asked yourself, “What is psychotherapy?” That’s because not everyone is familiar with the concept of addressing their mental health.
Many people misunderstand the purpose of talking to a therapist. This is especially true when it comes to certain areas of the country like Nashville where people tend to avoid discussing issues like depression or anxiety. Thus there are plenty of psychotherapy myths that mislead people. Here we look at these myths so that you’ll feel more comfortable seeking psychotherapy for addiction treatment. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Going to Psychotherapy Means You’re Crazy
This is one of the biggest myths about psychotherapy that is also among the most common. This is especially true for people who don’t understand the purpose of therapy sessions.
The truth is, going to psychotherapy is a way of working through small issues or serious mental health problems. An experienced psychotherapist will have the skills to help you get to the core of what’s bothering you. Then once the core issue has been identified, they can provide a plan for helping you heal.
2. You Have to Become Friends With Your Therapist
You don’t need to worry about hanging out at social events with your therapist. In fact, a good psychotherapist understands the importance of maintaining strict professional boundaries with each client. Thus they should always avoid pursuing any type of causal relationship with clients outside of their sessions together.
3. You Have to Start Taking Medications
It’s important to understand that most psychotherapists don’t prescribe medications. If a therapist feels that your mental health would benefit from a prescription drug of any kind, they will recommend that you schedule an appointment with a medical professional who can provide whatever pharmaceuticals you need.
4. You Can Solve All Your Problems In One Session
When you start seeing a psychotherapist, don’t expect to get the answers you need for your addiction treatment in a session or two. It’s best to be patient and lean into the process of working through your mental health issues an hour at a time over a period of weeks, months, or years.
5. All Therapists Are the Same
This is another of the most common psychotherapy myths. Many people make the mistake of assuming that every type of therapy is the same and every therapist will provide the same type of experience.Â
It’s important to choose the right type of therapist for your specific behavioral health goals and make sure they are a good match for your personality.
A Guide to Common Myths About Psychotherapy
It’s no secret that many people suffer from depression and anxiety, and yet not everyone feels comfortable discussing mental health. Fortunately, this guide to common myths about psychotherapy shines a light on the truth so you can get the help you need.
Please contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our mental health professionals.