Top 5 Myths About Therapy in California

Dr. Mary Kate Roohan, PsyD, RDT

Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to make sense of the world of therapy? Well, you are not alone. 

There is not only a long history of the stigma associated with mental health treatment but also a tendency for misinformation about the therapeutic process to be spread across media. It can be hard to know what therapy ACTUALLY looks like. If you have never been to treatment, your understanding of working with a therapist may come from your favorite novels, movies, or TV shows. Unfortunately, the media perpetuates myths about mental health treatment… for example, all the shows with unethical psychologists!). The unfortunate result of these representations of therapists is that folks who could genuinely benefit from therapy might feel nervous, embarrassed, or even ashamed about seeing a mental health provider.

This guide addresses misinformation so that you can feel more comfortable taking your first step toward healing and fulfillment.

I am writing this guide to shed some light on common myths around therapy and to provide you with clarity about what working with a psychologist might look like. My goal here is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and empower you to take that initial step toward improving your emotional well-being.

As a psychologist in Pasadena, I believe that therapy can teach you the tools needed to live a life of purpose and vitality. You deserve to live the life you WANT to live!

Myth 1: “Therapy is Only for ‘Crazy’ People”

Woof. This myth drives me up the wall. I mean, first of all, what does “crazy” even mean? This term is stigmatizing and has the capacity to make people who are at their lowest low feel even WORSE than they were already feeling. I could go on a long tirade about how problematic this word “crazy” is; however, I recognize that my thoughts on mental health stigma are not what you came to this blog for - so let me address the myth.

There is a widely held misconception that you need to be suffering from some severe psychological disorders to see a therapist. The reality is that many people benefit from talking to someone regularly, regardless of whether or not they meet the criteria for a mental disorder. As a California therapist, I have seen folks come into therapy for a wide range of issues. Most counselors will tailor the therapeutic process toward your specific needs - you do not need a “diagnosis” to benefit.

We have come a long way to reduce the stigma around mental health - more folks are openly talking about their experience in treatment. I mean… check out Instagram or TikTok… there’s mental health content everywhere. It’s amazing. That being said, the perception that the field of psychology is designed “to make miserable people less miserable” is still present, and many people still believe that you only go to therapy if something is “wrong” with you. Unfortunately, this belief may stop folks from getting the support they need.

its not crazy to seek help from a California therapist

Everybody deserves to feel better: Insights from an EMDR therapist in Los Angeles

Myth 2:  “I Will Be in Therapy Forever”

You might have heard people say, “Therapy is a lifelong process.” While some people might benefit from ongoing therapy, most treatment approaches are designed to achieve results within a short-term context. Most counselors will work with you to develop insight and build skills; when you have achieved what you set out for, you can end the therapeutic relationship and utilize what you have learned.

According to the American Psychological Association, about half of the people in treatment start feeling better after 15 to 20 sessions. I want to point out that the number of sessions will vary based on the person, treatment modality, and severity of the issue. If you are anxious about how long you will be in therapy, you can always ask potential counselors about the average length of time they work with their clients.

Remember that you and your therapist can always work together to set realistic objectives and timelines. As a psychologist in Pasadena, I always tell my patients, “Therapy isn’t a crutch; it’s a tool.” We set goals at the beginning of treatment, and when my client reaches their goals, the therapeutic relationship ends. The reality is that skilled therapists want you to learn strategies to have autonomy in your life - to let you fly free!

Myth 3: “Therapy is Just Like Talking to a Friend”

I understand why you could see talking to a therapist and chatting with a pal as the same thing. I mean, just like many friendships, treatment involves opening up about your feelings.

The thing is… there’s so much more to therapy! First off, your therapist has put in years of training to learn the most effective evidence-based methods for helping you take charge of your mental well-being. I can vouch for this - after college, I went to SIX YEARS of extra school to become a psychologist and drama therapist.

Therapists do THERAPY by utilizing numerous strategies to help you meet your therapeutic goals. For example, your counselor may challenge you to learn more about yourself (even the parts you’re scared of!) and equip you with tools to manage your emotions, identify ineffective thoughts, and determine behaviors that are getting in the way of you living the life you want to live.

A good therapist can provide you with tools to deal with emotions

DBT Therapy in Los Angeles can equip you with techniques to help you regulate your emotions and tolerate distress.

Want to know another reason why therapy is different than talking to a friend? Unlike that friend you have who always accidentally spills the beans (you know who I’m talking about), your therapist can’t share your secrets. Mental health professionals are legally and ethically required to keep your information confidential.

Finally, while the therapeutic relationship is collaborative, it is focused on YOUR needs. The session is about what is going on with the client, not the clinician. As a result, you are less likely to feel like you are “talking too much” (and if you feel worried about how much you’re talking, you can process those fears with your psychologist during the session). In therapy, you get to take up SPACE because you deserve it.

While it is essential to have supportive friends, it is also critical to have your mental health addressed by a professional, especially if you are struggling with significant challenges. Friends and family members do not always have the tools to support you in the way that you need. A therapist in California could be the additional support you need.


MYTH 4: “All Therapy is the Same”

Does this resonate? You tried therapy, and it did not work out as you expected, so you stopped going… and haven’t gotten back on the therapy train.

This is a common experience! It makes sense. It’s tough to start the process in the first place, and it can be so disappointing when your expectations are not met. If you have had this experience, you may have internalized the belief: “Therapy doesn’t work for me.”

I hope to help you understand that therapy CAN benefit everyone. The thing is, sometimes it takes multiple tries to find the right fit. There are many different approaches to treatment, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy(DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), creative arts therapy, and psychodynamic therapy - to name a few! Many counselors specialize in numerous modalities in order to best meet the needs of their clients.

An EMDR therapist in Los Angeles incorporates multiple approaches for mental health

A skilled California therapist can offer a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to your needs.

So, if one approach or one therapist is not the right fit, that’s okay! There are many other fish in the sea. Be gentle with yourself, and remember that finding the therapeutic approach (and therapist) that aligns with your needs can take time. The most important thing is to figure out what you want in your therapist. It can also be helpful to understand what type of therapy you want to try based on your specific needs. Pro Tip: This blog is a guide to what to look for in your counselor and provides information about different therapy approaches.

Myth 5:  “I Can Fix My Problems”

It can be hard to admit that we could all benefit from some help. Many of us want to be able to do it by ourselves. I get that - it’s commendable! At the same time, it’s so hard to carry the weight of mental health challenges on your own.

If your emotional health is not optimal, it can be exhausting and overwhelming. As a psychologist in Pasadena, I always tell my clients that therapy is like a cast for a broken bone. You wear it for some time, and you get to take it off after you have had some time to heal. Let a therapist be your temporary “cast” until you are ready to go at it alone.

CONCLUSION:

There are many myths about therapy - I don’t want those myths to scare you away from getting the help you may need! It’s essential to have a clear understanding of the facts about mental health treatment so you can make an informed decision about your well-being. 

DBT therapy is a great investment in your overall health

Seeing a psychologist in Pasadena isn't just about your mental health; it's an investment in your overall well-being.

Just remember that deciding to work with a therapist can make a big difference in your life. Therapy can help you manage anxiety, improve your relationships, practice radical acceptance, build self-esteem, decrease people-pleasing behaviors, learn coping skills, address trauma, and so much more!

Still on the fence? Feel free to set up a free consultation, and I can try and answer some of the questions you may have.

Want to know more about the author?

Hi, I'm Dr. MK! I am a playful, warm psychologist in Pasadena who empowers people to live the life they WANT to live. I provide care for individuals who may experience emotions that feel out of control, engage in behaviors that make things worse, worry about what others are feeling and thinking, and feel exhausted in life.

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