By: Jennifer Chu
Therapy: the word alone can conjure a swirl of assumptions, from cozy couches and endless nodding to dramatic breakthroughs worthy of a movie scene.
But the reality of therapy is far less mysterious—and far more empowering. Despite its growing acceptance, misconceptions about therapy still linger, often stopping people from exploring its transformative benefits.
Myth #1: Therapy Is Only for People with Serious Mental Health Issues
Therapy is for anyone navigating life’s challenges—big or small. Whether it’s managing stress, improving relationships, processing grief, or simply seeking clarity, therapy is a resource for everyone. It’s not about fixing something “broken”; it’s about enhancing your overall well-being and helping you live your best life.
Myth #2: Therapy Is Just Talking About Your Feelings
While emotions are a key part of therapy, it’s much more than that. Therapy provides clarity by helping you uncover why certain patterns—like avoiding conflict, overcommitting, or struggling with self-worth—keep repeating. By identifying dysfunctional patterns, therapy equips you with practical tools to break them and create healthier habits. It’s a guided, collaborative process that may involve learning coping strategies, unpacking thought patterns, and developing practical skills to tackle challenges. Therapy is an active, dynamic, and tailored to your needs.
Myth #3: If Therapy Works, You Shouldn’t Need It for Long
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” timeline for therapy. Some people may achieve their goals quickly, while others might need more time to work through complex challenges. The duration of therapy depends on the person, their goals, and the pace at which they feel comfortable working. Needing therapy for longer doesn’t mean it’s not working; it means the journey is unfolding in its own unique way.
Myth #4: Therapy Will Dig Up Trauma You’re Not Ready to Face
Let’s bust this one right now: therapists don’t push you into discussing things you’re not ready to explore. A good therapist respects your pace and focuses on creating a safe, supportive environment. If sensitive topics arise, they’ll guide you gently, ensuring you feel empowered—not overwhelmed. Therapy is about building trust and working together to tackle challenges when you’re ready.
Myth #5: Therapy Is Only About the Past
Yes, your past matters—it’s where your story begins. But therapy isn’t about getting stuck there. Instead, therapists help connect the dots between past experiences, present challenges, and future goals. Understanding where patterns and beliefs come from can help you break free from them. The focus is on empowerment: how you can use insights from the past to create a better present and future.
Myth #6: Therapy Changes You Into Someone You’re Not
Here’s the truth: therapy doesn’t change who you are. It helps you uncover your authentic self—the person you’ve always been but might have lost touch with along the way. Therapy encourages self-acceptance and growth, helping you align your life with your values and strengths.
Myth #7: Once You Start Therapy, You’ll Need It Forever
Therapy isn’t a life sentence—it’s a tool you can use as needed. Many people attend therapy for a specific period, develop the skills they need, and then move forward on their own. Others might return to therapy during different stages of life when new challenges arise. Therapy is there to support you whenever you need it, not to hold onto you forever.
Myth #8: If One Therapist Doesn’t Work, Therapy Isn’t for You
Finding the right therapist can feel a bit like dating. Sometimes, the first one you meet just isn’t the right fit—and that’s okay. Every therapist has a unique style, and it’s important to find someone who clicks with you. Don’t give up on therapy if your first experience isn’t perfect. The right therapist can make all the difference in your journey.
Myth #9: Therapy Is All About Venting, and You Don’t Actually Solve Problems
Sure, venting can feel good—but therapy goes far beyond that. A skilled therapist will help you identify patterns, set goals, and develop actionable strategies to tackle your challenges. Therapy equips you with tools to navigate life’s ups and downs long after your sessions end. It’s about creating lasting change, not just a moment of relief.
Myth #10: You’ll Be “Fixed” After Therapy
Here’s the thing: therapy isn’t about being “fixed” because you’re not broken. Therapy helps you understand yourself better, navigate life’s complexities, and build resilience. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Life will always have its challenges, but therapy can give you the confidence and skills to face them head-on.
Whether you’re curious about therapy, considering it for the first time, or returning after a break, know that it’s a space designed to support you—your needs, your pace, and your goals.
Article supplied with thanks to The Centre for Effective Living.
Feature image: Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash
About the Author: Jennifer Chu is a psychologist who is passionate about therapy, experienced in a range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, social adjustment issues, stress management, and cross-cultural issues and more.