5 Reasons You Haven’t Gone to Therapy (when it may be for you).

When you hear people casually talk about their therapy, like “I need a therapist,” or “my therapist said…” you may find yourself thinking, that’s definitely not for me. Therapy seems so distant and anything but helpful. Going to therapy feels like admitting your flaws or that you are “crazy.” And it’s totally normal to feel that way. Trying to manage stress or feeling rotten on your own is one way to go, but it’s not the only way.

As much as therapy may seem like a thing for others, there are many misconceptions and stigmas out there that can hold you back from seeking it out for yourself. Here are some reasons why that happens:

1. “Therapy is for severe mental health conditions.”

One of the biggest misconceptions about therapy is that it is for people with severe mental health issues. You may think therapy isn’t a place for your sadness or anxiety. The truth is, therapy is for anyone who wants to feel better about themselves or make changes in their life. Even if you don’t have any specific issues you want to address, therapy can be a place to care for your mind, just as you may care for your body at the gym or in yoga class. Therapists will work with you to figure out how to make you feel better in ways that work best for you.

2. “I don’t want to take medications.”

We hear you loud and clear. And this is a reason why people seek therapists over psychiatrists. Therapists often don’t have the privilege to prescribe medications, while psychiatrists do. Medications, especially in conjunction with “talk therapy” can have tremendous benefits, and your therapist may suggest learning more about them from a prescriber as an option. However, you always have the right to decline. Ultimately it is about your own health and comfort level with the treatment.

3. “I will help myself out.”

Of course you can, and that is exactly what therapy is for. Part of the work of therapy is to show you the skills or insights you need so that you can listen to yourself and begin to solve problems on your own. Part of the goal is for you to become your own therapist!

4. “Therapy is for people who like to talk.”

Not necessarily. Therapy does require you to engage in conversation with your therapist, just like we do in day to day life. But it doesn’t mean that you are expected to share everything about yourself beyond your comfort level. Therapy is a place for you to become comfortable in expressing yourself and feeling right about what you share with your therapist.

5. “I am afraid of judgements.”

Mental health stigma is a serious challenge, because it holds people back from getting the help they need to feel better or make changes for good. For some people, seeking therapy may affect their relationships with family, friends or co-workers. Therapy is a place to explore your feelings and thoughts about your mental health issues and how you could navigate that challenge.

Therapy may feel like it is only for your own good. But it also has a huge benefit for people around you, because you are connecting with people with a different mindset and more clarity. Your relationship with your family and friends can change, because you are in a better place. Your courage in taking charge of your mental wellness is infectious. If you are curious about what goes on in therapy, read what to expect in your first session and what to expect in a therapy consultation.