Today, I'm going to talk about some of the common myths or misconceptions about therapy. Many of these myths have been made popular in the general media, while you may have heard others from friends or family. Either way, I want to dispel these myths and give you the truth!
Myth #1: Therapy is for crazy people
The way that the term crazy can be used by the general public often minimizes and bullies the legitimate experiences of others. Often, when we use this word, it's meant to be hurtful and not as an actual descriptor of behavior.
Let's put it this way: if you went to a medical doctor and said, "I'm in pain," they would ask you a series of questions to determine what's causing your pain because that statement is too general to actually mean anything.
So, when we say crazy, what do we mean? Someone who has been depressed, anxious, lost a parent, seen active combat in war, struggled with substances, experienced burnout, had a miscarriage, gone through a divorce, has low self-esteem, or are unsure of their next steps in life? All of the above and more?
Do you see my point? Therapy is for everyone and by this broad definition we are either all crazy or none of us are.
Myth #2: Therapy is for weak people
Needing help is a natural state of being. While we want to be as independent as possible, we all need support from time to time. This all makes sense—from an evolutionary perspective humans are tribal and we like to function in groups.
You're not weak for going for therapy. You wouldn't call an athlete weak for needing a personal coach to help them improve their performance, so why would you shame a person for needing a therapist to improve their entire life and wellbeing?
In fact, I would say that it takes an incredible amount of strength to be honest with yourself and approach the challenge and personal growth and development.
Myth #3: Therapy is just talking
If you listened to my interview prior to becoming the host of this podcast, you’ll remember my stance on this. In case you missed it, I’ll remind you of my direct quote: "Talking is the instrument by which the intervention is delivered to the patient, like a needle, delivering a life-saving vaccine to someone. The magic isn’t in the poke of the needle, it’s in the content of the syringe and what mechanisms are activated as a result."
Contrary to popular belief, I didn’t go to school for 10 years simply to talk to people. Like any doctor, I wanted to learn how to fill a need in our society. Talking is a tool that I use, the same way a medical doctor might use a stethoscope. If it were only talking, then you could talk to anyone and get the same result...
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