In recent years, mental health therapy with a licensed professional has become more mainstream. People openly talk about their therapist or therapy sessions with their family members and friends. However, there are still many myths about therapists and therapy sessions. And there is still so much stigma about mental health. Here are five common myths that I’d like to discuss today:

Myth #1: Therapy is only for people with serious mental health problems.

Fact: Unfortunately, there is the stigma that therapy is only for people with serious mental health problems. However, that simply isn’t true. Many people, if not most, go through periods in their life where they may face depression, anxious feelings, overwhelming stressors, or other similar symptoms. Deciding to see a therapist to help themselves cope with these symptoms is not something to be ashamed of or feel weak about. In fact, most people who see therapists go for these reasons.

Myth #2: Having a therapist is like having a paid friend.

Fact: A therapist is very different than your best friend. Social support from your friends and family is definitely invaluable. Friends and family provide support, encouragement, and wisdom. And yes, therapists provide support, encouragement, and wisdom as well. However, therapists have spent years to be professionally trained to work with clients on emotional, behavioral, and relational issues.  In addition, friendships are reciprocal. Friends go back and forth discussing each other’s issues. In a therapy session, the focus is on the client only.  Therapists are also trained to avoid dual relationships and cannot see clients outside of the office.

Myth #3: Medication is just as effective as therapy.

Fact: While medication can help with the symptoms of some mental health disorders, medication doesn’t necessarily treat the cause of the problem. For example, someone suffering from anxiety and depression due to the loss of their job or divorce may have their symptoms be reduced by medication, but the medication doesn’t solve the problem of losing the job or the divorce. The person would need to learn how to cope with the job loss or divorce, process their feelings, and make changes in his or her life. Emotional stress can’t simply be solved or reduced by medication.

Myth #4: My therapist will judge me or blame me.

Fact: Compassion and empathy are two qualities that any good therapist will demonstrate and provide throughout the therapeutic process. Therapists understand that it can be difficult to begin therapy, and therapists move at the pace of the client. Yes, therapists challenge their clients, but only when the client and therapist have a strong therapeutic relationship. Want to know another myth? Dr. Phil’s therapy style. Confrontational, blaming, shaming, and judgmental. This is not the true style of helping professionals.

Myth #5: Therapy is too expensive.

Fact: Yes, therapy does involve a financial commitment, and yes, it can become costly. However, it is helpful to look at your insurance benefits to see if they will help cover the cost of treatment. Many times, insurance will cover the majority of treatment and clients are left to pay a copay for each session, similar to what you would pay for a doctor’s visit. Paying out of pocket without insurance can definitely become costly, but in those cases, there are public community agencies that have sliding fee scales that will base your fee off of your income. Online therapy is another alternative which can be quite affordable. In addition, consider the alternative and the costs of not attending therapy. Job performance, relationships, and more could suffer.

Once you make the decision to begin therapy, the next step is trying to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with. Every therapist is different, and not everyone is a perfect fit! Shop for the right therapist. You want to make sure you feel comfortable with your therapist and look forward to your time together. The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in the success of therapy.