If you are a fan of movies and TVs, you have probably seen shows where a character visits a therapist. Such media portrayals may stem from nuggets of truth, but the reality of therapy is actually quite different from what you see on screen! What is the truth about what you can expect from therapy? In this blog post, we unpack some common misconceptions and reveal the truth about talk therapy in Westfield.
Misconception: Only People with a Serious Mental Health Condition Need Therapy
Therapy is certainly important for people with conditions like depression, anxiety, and a tendency to self-harm. However, its reach goes far beyond that. Really, it can benefit virtually anyone. Whether you need to talk through a challenge, cope with a life transition, navigate relationship challenges, or confront other issues that are preventing you from thriving, there is likely a therapist in Westfield or the surrounding area who can help.
Misconception: Your Therapist Will Become Your Friend
Therapists care about their clients, but you should not expect your relationship to expand beyond professional boundaries. Therapists have ethical standards to adhere to, so even though they might feel like a dear friend, it is important to maintain appropriate expectations. While your therapist cannot get too close to you emotionally, they may be able to help you grow in your preexisting personal relationships and find more fulfillment from them.
Misconception: There Is Only One Type of Therapy/One Type of Therapist
In reality, there are multiple approaches to talk therapy and countless specialties. When you are looking for a therapist, it is a good idea to learn about their background and their experience with situations that are similar to yours.
Also, keep in mind that if you do not find success with the first therapist you visit, that does not mean therapy is ineffective. Therapists have vastly differing personalities, so you might need to visit a few before you find one who is a good fit for you.
Misconception: Therapy Is a Quick Fix
Most types of therapy require multiple sessions, so it is important that you exercise patience and cooperate with the process. You may also need to do some “homework” between your sessions so you can truly benefit from your therapy.
Misconception: You Have to Tell Your Therapist Everything
At first, you may be reluctant to share certain things with your therapist. That is totally okay! In many cases, having a trusting relationship with your therapist is more important than exposing every detail of a situation. You might find that you make good progress even before you are ready to talk about things that are extremely painful or deep.
Misconceptions about therapy are common! If you have questions about what it is really like, talk to a qualified care provider. They will be happy to help you have realistic expectations.
Meet the Practice
At Embrace Psychiatric Wellness Center in Westfield and Wall Township, our team of professionals offers cognitive behavioral therapy and several other treatments. We are proud to support patients in our community as they navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, and more. To learn more about us and how we might be able to serve you, get in touch with us at 908-233-8065.
