Therapy Myths Debunked: What Really Happens in a Session?
When people think of therapy, oftentimes the typical ideas they get come from TV. The images that come to mind often involve laying on a couch, revealing all of their deepest darkest secrets while the therapist scribbles a bunch of notes on a notepad. While that may be entertaining for television, this often creates a negative perception of what therapy actually looks like.
Let’s debunk some of these myths:
Myth 1: “The therapist will psychoanalyze me the entire time I talk”
Reality: Your therapist will walk alongside you through your challenges, and through that, they actively listen to your story in order to best support you. They may ask questions to help gain deeper insight into your inner world while also helping you to explore whatever life may be throwing at you.
Myth 2: “I’ll have to tell my therapist absolutely everything all at once”
Reality: Trust is something that needs to be built over time, and your therapist understands this. Some people may find it more comfortable to share everything more quickly, however this does not change the speed of progress in therapy. Whether you are comfortable in therapy will impact your ability to open up, and your therapist will meet you where you’re at.
Myth 3: “We’re just going to talk about my feelings the entire time”
Reality: In some ways, this can be true - talking about your feelings in therapy is an important part of the process. However, it is not the only way to gain benefits from therapy. Therapy can be a place to set goals, gain different perspectives around your thoughts and learn practical strategies to manage your stress.
Myth 4: “They’re going to tell me what to do and how to fix my problem”
Reality: Though therapists provide guidance and support, they will not tell you how to fix the problem. Instead, they will give you strategies and tips for coping with your concerns while allowing you the space to build your confidence with handling challenges in the future.
Myth 5: “People only go to therapy when they have severe mental illness”
Reality: Therapy can be for anyone, no matter how large or small the concern may feel. Therapy is a great space to have a non-biased, non-judgemental person to talk to about what you’re experiencing, especially in cases where it may feel like you don’t have this place elsewhere. It can be a great way to learn more about yourself and navigate the ups and downs of life.
So, What Happens in Sessions Then?
Now that we debunked these myths, let’s talk about what a typical therapy session may look like:
Check ins: Your therapist will check in with you about how your life has been going and any changes or challenges that may have come up.
Exploration: You and your therapist may explore your thoughts and feelings, your past experiences or your goals that you have for yourself in the future.
Reflection: Your therapist will help you reflect on your experiences and help you notice patterns in your life, while also helping you to consider different perspectives.
Strategies and Takeaways: Oftentimes, you will leave a therapy session with more insight around life challenges as well as strategies for managing your stress when navigating these challenges.
Final Thoughts
One of the most important parts of therapy is the value of connecting with another human and being able to be your authentic self in a space without judgement. It’s a space to gain deeper understanding into your inner world while being supported throughout your journey.
Interested in taking the first step? Contact us here to get started!
Samantha Burns, MA, LPC
Samantha is the administrative assistant for Flourish Counseling & Wellness. Samantha is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado and enjoys working with adolescents and young adults who are experiencing challenges with trauma, depression and anxiety.