Mental health awareness is extremely important to eliminate the misconceptions and myths standing in the way of getting help to address this unfortunate reality. Millions of people are affected by mental health challenges around the world. But, myths and misconceptions regarding therapies refrain them from seeking therapist’s help. Therefore, these misguided notions need to be clear to dispel any fears and better understand the potential advantages of therapy and counseling. Though therapies are getting toward a higher level, where people are becoming aware and more conscious about their mental health, we need to eliminate these common myths. Here are five common myths that need to go away to disappear fear associated with therapy and counseling:
Myth 1: We can talk to friends, therapy is unnecessary
Many people believe that solely the support of your loved ones can be a substitute for therapy. Therefore, they find counseling and therapy unnecessary. No doubt, social support is beneficial to anyone with anxiety or depression, but therapy is quite different from that. With your friends, relatives, or partner, you can share your emotions and feelings. And they can provide you with invaluable love, support, and wisdom. However, therapists like North Chicagoland therapists identify and treat behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and relational issues. These therapists are highly trained professionals who have spent years learning and practicing different areas of therapy.
Myth 2: It is very expensive and not worth it.
Therapy is indeed expensive, but it is an investment for your mental well-being. Also, there is a wide range of fees depending upon the type of therapy and the number of sessions involved. According to studies, therapy sessions are much more effective than medication for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. While treating mental health issues, medications and counseling should go hand in hand. One should seek therapy and take medication at times for better results. Through these therapies, you can give your full potential to any work. So, don’t think therapy is an expense, think it more like an investment in yourself.
Myth 3: People who seek therapy are crazy or mentally ill.
It is clearly not true though many people might think about therapy this way. Nowadays, if someone seeks therapy it is seen as resourcefulness and self-care rather than a mental illness. There are numerous life problems that people deal with, including self-doubt, work-related stress, low self-esteem, anxiety, life transitions, and depressions. All these issues need professional attention for a healthy and stress-free life. Even a bright, skillful, and smart person can seek counseling for solutions to their problems.
Myth 4: Therapists have ready-made solutions for every problem.
Untrue. A therapist works according to their client’s situations, circumstances, and problems they are dealing with in everyday life. They don't have ready-made solutions for all issues. Everybody is dealing with their problems and needs a specific solution for combating them. Therefore, therapists take individual sessions instead of plugging people into ready-made solutions. A professional therapist like North Chicagoland therapist tailors treatment sessions for their clients after getting to know their issues and problems. They undergird their client’s stories by following deeper themes and patterns, and eventually, come up with a solution that a client requires.
Myth 5: Two-three sessions are enough to solve the problem.
People believe as they read in novels or watch on television that only one or two sessions are enough for treating mental health concerns. However, that is not the case, in reality, the number of sessions depends on person to person. There are no fixed sessions for every individual, and a therapist can not predict in the beginning how many sessions can heal you from your suffering. With time and improvement in the clients, therapists decide whether to continue the sessions or not. In general, an average therapist course lasts for two to three months.
Summing Up
Apart from these, there are many other myths and misconceptions regarding therapy. However, none of them should bother you if you are focusing on yourself and your mental health. There is nothing better than a healthy and stress-free life.