5 Common Therapy Myths That Might Be Holding You Back

In recent times there’s been a growing awareness around mental health, and more people are seeking therapy than ever before. And yet, there are still common myths that can create hesitation or make people second-guess whether therapy is right for them. This blog post  will identify and work to dispel some of those myths that might be getting in the way.

Myth #1: “If I need therapy, it means I’ve failed.”

Many people believe that needing therapy is a sign of weakness; that if they were “strong enough,” they’d be able to handle things on their own. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Seeking therapy is actually a courageous and proactive step. Just like going to the doctor when you’re physically unwell, therapy is a way to care for your emotional well-being. 

Myth #2: “Talking about problems will only make them worse.”

A common fear is that discussing painful experiences in therapy will reopen old wounds and leave you feeling worse. However, vasts amount of research shows that avoiding difficult emotions often leads to more distress over time. Talking through experiences with a trained therapist can actually reduce emotional intensity and help you make sense of what you’ve been through. Approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) also teach skills like emotional regulation and distress tolerance to help manage overwhelming emotions in a safe and structured way.

Myth #3: “If therapy didn’t work for me before, it won’t work now.”

It’s completely normal to try out a few therapists before finding one that truly feels like the right match. Finding the right therapist with the right therapeutic approach can take time. There’s a wide range of mental health professionals and approaches out there, including CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, and more. If one style didn’t work for you, that doesn’t mean therapy won’t work at all. Exploring your options is part of the process. The most important thing is finding a therapist whose style aligns with your needs and goals (See last month’s blog post for an overview of evidence-based practice).

Myth #4: “Therapists just sit there and nod. It’s just for venting.”

While therapy can certainly be a space to share and process, a good therapist will do much more than just listen. Effective therapy is intentional and collaborative. It’s about helping you set goals, explore new perspectives, and build tools to move forward in life. 

Myth #5: “Therapy is supposed to last forever.”

Therapy doesn’t have to be a lifelong endeavor. Many approaches, like CBT and DBT, are goal-focused and designed to check in on progress along the way. While the length of therapy depends on your needs, the aim is to equip you with awareness, knowledge, andskills so you can continue growing independently.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering therapy, being informed can make the journey a lot smoother. Myths and misunderstandings can create unnecessary fear but knowing what to expect and what’s possible can open the door to meaningful change.