Debunking Myths About Therapy
We all carry internalized messages about what therapy is supposed to look like. Sometimes those ideas are shaped by stigma, culture, or what we've seen on TV. But therapy often looks very different from what we imagine. Let’s break down some common myths and bring a little more clarity to what therapy is really about.
Myth: "AI can replace therapy.”
There's been a lot of conversation online about AI platforms like ChatGPT being used as an alternative to therapy. AI can be a helpful tool - it can provide resources, offer support, and feel accessible when nothing else is. But it's not therapy.
Our generation is living in a loneliness epidemic, and turning to technology (as opposed to therapy) may make this worse and increase feelings of disconnection. A therapist is a real person who can connect with you in ways that AI just can’t. As well as personalized and individual care, your therapist will also be able to understand your non-verbal cues.
Many people come to therapy because they have parts of themselves that they struggle to express in the real world. Through therapy, you’ll learn to let go of shame and have a platform where you can be your true self with another human.
Myth: "I don't need therapy; I have my friends.”
There are some overlaps. Both your friends and therapist care about you and want what's best for you. But, at its core, they are entirely different relationships.
First, the obvious: your therapist is trained and qualified. Their interactions with you are shaped by evidence-based practices and years of knowledge. Another difference is that your therapist won't judge you or offer advice based on their own experiences (which friends sometimes can do!).
And unlike with friendships, your therapist won't tell you what to do! What they will do is help you slow down, reflect, and figure out what you really want. They can act as a sounding board and help you connect the dots and connect the puzzle pieces.
The biggest difference is that therapy is a space just about you. It's your time to discuss whatever you want. It’s the only relationship in which you’re completely the priority, and this can be very helpful and healing.
Myth: "If I go to therapy, it means something's wrong with me.”
This is far from the truth. As a society, we need to start treating our mental health like our physical health. Just like we go to the doctor for check-ups, therapy can be a check-in. What's going on with me right now? What am I holding? What needs care?
If stigma is holding you back from seeking, try and challenge the narrative you're telling yourself about what it means to be in therapy. Because, in reality, isn’t it kind of inspiring that you're taking the time to actively get to know yourself better? You're making time to show up for yourself and explore what might be holding you back. This doesn't mean there's something wrong with you; it means that you're brave and ready to move forward.
Myth: “Therapy will fix me.”
You're a human being, not a machine! You don't need fixing. Therapy won't make everything "perfect", but it will help you understand yourself better. It gives you space to explore, shift patterns, and figure out how to move through life in a way that feels more aligned with who you are.
Myth: "Therapy will create more problems for me."
Therapy might make you more reflective, and sometimes that can be uncomfortable. You might worry that talking about hard things will make them feel worse. That it will open up trauma, you’re not ready to deal with.
But if you're carrying something painful, it’s already there. Therapy doesn’t create problems, it helps you make sense of the difficulties you're already facing. And therapy will go at your pace; a good therapist will never force you to talk about something you're not ready for. They'll guide you gently and support you as things come up. You'll also learn coping tools and strategies that you can apply in your everyday life to help you deal with the existing problems.
Myth: "I can't tell my therapist if I don't agree with them".
You absolutely can. In fact, it is encouraged! As mentioned above, therapy is your space. You're the expert on your own life. If something your therapist says doesn't sit right with you, you should let them know. While therapists have a great amount of knowledge, you know yourself better than anyone.
If a therapist says something that doesn't resonate with you, telling them can strengthen the relationship. Advocating for yourself allows your therapist to make adjustments. It lets them get to know you better and helps build trust in the relationship.
Myth: "All therapists are the same."
They’re really not! Therapists have different training, different personalities, and different styles. Some are more structured. Some are more conversational. Some use CBT or DBT. Others focus more on emotion, relationships, or the body.
If you saw someone and didn't vibe, that doesn't mean therapy isn't for you. It just means that the person wasn't the right fit. You're allowed (and encouraged) to keep looking.
Myth: "Therapy doesn't work."
There's so much evidence showing that therapy can improve mental health outcomes. Therapy works because of the nature of the relationship. It's a safe space where you can show up as you are.
Through therapy, you'll learn different ways to approach situations. You'll learn how to challenge maladaptive core beliefs and begin to make sense of your experiences. Over time, therapy can even change the way your brain processes things. This happens through a process called neuroplasticity.
Therapy encourages real, long-lasting change. It’s collaborative, person-centered, and trauma-informed. You're not just sitting and talking. You're working with someone to find a way to go through life that feels guided by your authentic values.
Myths about therapy can prevent people from seeking help. But engaging in therapy is actually a really brave, powerful step toward healing and improving your mental health outcomes.
If you're feeling unsure or have doubts, that’s okay. You can bring those doubts into the room. Therapy is a space where you can talk about what’s holding you back, even your hesitations about therapy itself. Having those conversations is part of the work and can make the therapeutic alliance even stronger!
Ready to prioritize your mental health and well-being? MSC Therapy offers specialized psychotherapy services for young adult women in New York and Florida. Mollie provides compassionate, client-centered, and supportive therapy to help clients navigate anxiety, low self-esteem, disordered eating, body image concerns, OCD, relationship issues, dating, school or career stress, perfectionism, and life transitions. Services are available virtually, allowing for convenient and accessible support. Reach out now to take the first steps toward a more balanced life.