Misconceptions About Psychotherapy

There are many misconceptions about psychotherapy. In this article, we will discuss some of them.

1. Psychotherapy is for people who are suffering or “crazy”

Although psychotherapy can address some painful issues and illness, it also equips the person receiving therapy with effective skills for living a successful life and can be highly rewarding. Psychotherapy is often about understanding yourself and others differently and learning how to cope with crises that most people face at some point, such as problems in marital, family, or social relationships; loss; fear of the future; and so on. Psychotherapy can help you move through these experiences more smoothly.

2. Psychotherapy is like talking to a relative or friend

A psychotherapist is uniquely qualified to help you. A psychotherapist is an expert in psychological experiences, and it can be easier to speak openly with one because psychotherapy is personal and confidential. The relationship with a psychotherapist is not reciprocal; it centers on your needs, is limited to the time and place of therapy, and is provided for a fee.

3. Psychotherapy is meant to fix people

Some people think psychotherapy is meant to fix people. Our role is to support people who want to heal by reflecting their own strengths back to them. People who lack motivation to change are unlikely to benefit. Unless a person is genuinely open and prepared to put in some effort, their experience of psychotherapy will not be worthwhile.

4. Psychotherapy turns you against your parents

Our past experiences often shape who we are today. Many people do not want to discuss their history because they want to protect their parents from criticism. Therapy does not need to involve blaming parents or becoming immersed in the past. Rather, it is about honoring your emotional experiences and increasing awareness of how past circumstances affect you today. This awareness can be key to moving forward.

5. Psychotherapy is a form of brainwashing

Good psychotherapy begins by building trust and unconditional respect. It helps you discover or reclaim your voice rather than lose it, and builds a bridge that brings you closer to your true self, not to the psychotherapist’s self.

6. The psychotherapist’s job is to agree with you and make you feel better

A psychotherapist’s job is not to soothe people receiving therapy, but to help them grow, explore their blind spots, and develop greater insight and awareness. A psychotherapist shows empathy and maintains a positive working relationship. However, they will not simply accept your perspective and affirm everything you say and do. Instead, they encourage you to consider other perspectives to help you grow and move forward in life.

7. The psychotherapist’s job is to solve your problems and give you advice

Many people expect advice from their psychotherapist, but rather than making decisions for you, a psychotherapist helps you explore your feelings and thoughts so you can reach your own conclusions. This may seem disappointing, but it benefits you in the long term: psychotherapy teaches you how to fish rather than giving you a fish! 

Download Tatmeen, the online psychological and family counseling app, from the App Store or Google Play. You can also register on the Tatmeen mental health website to access valuable information and practical tools to support your mental and family well-being.