5 Common Myths About Therapy (and the Truth Behind Them)
Even though therapy has become more common and accepted in recent years, there are still many myths and misconceptions that prevent people from reaching out for support. These misunderstandings can create unnecessary stigma and stop people from accessing a resource that could genuinely improve their lives. Let’s take a closer look at five of the most common therapy myths—and the truths behind them.
Myth 1: Only “Crazy” People Go to Therapy
This is one of the biggest and most damaging misconceptions. The truth is, therapy is not just for people in crisis—it’s for anyone who wants to grow, explore, or find healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges. Just like you don’t need to be a professional athlete to go to the gym, you don’t need to be “at rock bottom” to benefit from therapy. Many people use therapy as a proactive way to build resilience and self-awareness.
Myth 2: Therapy Fixes Everything Instantly
Many people expect immediate results, but therapy is not a quick fix. It’s a process. Change takes time, effort, and practice. A therapist helps you understand your patterns, explore what’s keeping you stuck, and develop skills that you can carry into your daily life. Progress often comes gradually, and that’s okay. Think of therapy less like taking a pill and more like building a muscle—it strengthens over time.
Myth 3: You Have to Talk About Your Childhood
While some types of therapy explore childhood experiences, it’s not a requirement. You don’t have to rehash your past unless you want to. Many modern therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), focus on your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. You can choose to explore your history if it feels relevant, but therapy can also be entirely focused on present-day issues and future goals.
Myth 4: Going to Therapy Means You’re Weak
This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Reaching out for support is actually a sign of strength and courage. It takes bravery to face challenges head-on and to ask for help when you need it. Therapy is about building skills, resilience, and insight—not weakness. In fact, learning to lean on support when necessary is a marker of emotional intelligence and strength.
Myth 5: Therapists Tell You What to Do
Some people worry that therapy will feel like being lectured or told how to live their lives. In reality, therapists don’t make decisions for you. Instead, they guide, support, and empower you to find your own answers. A good therapist works alongside you, offering tools, strategies, and perspectives while respecting your autonomy.
Final Thoughts
Therapy is not about being broken, weak, or incapable. It’s about investing in yourself, your mental health, and your growth. By challenging these myths, we can help reduce the stigma around therapy and open the door for more people to access the support they deserve.
Whether you’re struggling with stress, navigating a life transition, or simply wanting to understand yourself better—therapy can be a powerful step toward positive change.
Jimmy Williams, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy 