The American Psychological Association estimates 41.4 million American adults received mental health care in 2021. Despite greater acceptance, many myths about therapy and mental health professionals persist.
Trained counselors nationwide share frustrations over persistent myths and misconceptions that prevent people from seeking help or getting the most from therapy.
Dispelling these myths could change how we view mental health care and make therapy more accessible and worthwhile for all.
Therapy isn’t just for crisis situations
You don’t have to hit bottom in order to benefit from professional help.
Preventive mental health care functions much like routine medical checkups.
Experienced licensed clinical social worker Dr. Sarah Martinez states, “Therapy teaches people how to manage problems before they become overwhelming. It is similar to going to the gym to become emotionally fit.”
Your therapist won’t judge you
The fear of judgment dissuades thousands of people from attending therapy sessions, but professional therapists are taught extensively about the concept of unconditional positive regard.
Research published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology in 2023 found that 89% of clients initially expressed a fear of being judged by their therapist, but only 3% actually felt judged during the course of treatment.
Therapists have strict codes of ethics that place clients’ welfare above personal opinion. They’ve heard it all before and understand human struggle is universal.
Licensed marriage and family therapist Dr. Michael Chen describes: “Our work is not to judge but to create a safe space where healing can take place. Each story has cause for compassion, not judgment.”
Progress takes time – and that’s normal
Social media culture often promotes quick fixes, but genuine psychological change is a slow process. Therapy works by helping your mind develop new neural pathways that support healthier patterns of thinking and behavior.
Neuroplasticity is a gradual process, and results emerge over time.
Therapists are human, too
Mental health professionals experience stress, challenges, and emotional difficulties too. This human experience does not diminish therapists’ abilities; in fact, it enhances their empathy.
Professional boundaries ensure that therapists’ personal matters do not affect client treatment.
Medication isn’t always the answer
The press tends to frame therapy as a doorway to medication, but the majority of therapists can’t provide medication and are trained in evidence-based forms of talk therapy.
Therapy on its own actually cures many illnesses successfully, with cognitive-behavioral therapy thriving 80% of the time for anxiety disorders, says the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Combined treatments work best for certain issues, but medication shouldn’t be the default response.
Confidentiality has strict legal limits
Client confidentiality is the foundation of treatment relationships, which are protected by federal HIPAA law and state licensing statutes. Therapists may only break confidentiality in exceptional circumstances: threats of imminent harm to self or others, suspected child maltreatment, or court orders.
These exceptions protect individuals, not undermine trust. Trauma expert Dr. Lisa Park says, “Confidentiality creates the safety net for deep healing.”
Online therapy is just as effective
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption, with online therapy sessions increasing by 3,800% in 2020, according to McKinsey & Company research. Multiple studies now confirm that video therapy produces outcomes equivalent to in-person sessions for most mental health conditions.
Online venues remove geographic barriers and increase access for those with mobility issues, social anxiety, or hectic schedules.
Therapists specialize in different areas
Mental health is not a universal situation, nor are therapists. Therapists have specialized in trauma, addiction, couples therapy, eating disorders, or specific populations such as adolescents or LGBTQ+.
Having the right expert greatly affects outcomes. A Journal of Clinical Psychology study shows matched therapist-client pairs are 40% more successful than random pairings.
Therapy isn’t about giving advice
Many people expect therapists to offer direct advice and solutions, but therapy is about helping clients find their own answers. The person-centered approach, created by Carl Rogers, emphasizes client self-discovery and autonomy.
Trained therapists ask insightful questions to enable self-discovery and awareness.
Mental health affects physical health
The mind-body connection isn’t mystical – it’s a scientifically proven fact. The Centers for Disease Control says that people with depression are 40% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, and long-term stress increases inflammation markers linked to many diseases.
Therapy can relieve physical symptoms by addressing underlying psychological issues. Harvard Medical School shows therapy-based stress reduction lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity, and eases chronic pain.
Group therapy offers unique benefits
Individual therapy receives the most attention, but group therapy offers unique benefits. Groups let peers help each other, practice social skills, and gain different perspectives.
Continuing education for therapists throughout their careers
Mental health professionals must complete continuing education credits, usually 20-40 hours annually, depending on state law. The field evolves with new research, techniques, and knowledge.
Ethical therapists keep current with evidence-based practice and emerging treatments. Members of the American Psychological Association are required to engage in ongoing professional development throughout their careers.
Therapy works for all ages
Mental health treatment is a resource that can help people from childhood through to older age, not just adults in distress. Developmentally sensitive methods meet each life stage’s needs.
Kids benefit from play therapy for emotional resolution. Older clients facing loss or life transitions use reminiscence therapy.
Cultural competence matters in therapy
Effective therapy requires understanding clients’ worldviews, values, and heritage. The American Psychological Association requires all licensed therapists to undergo cultural competency training, recognizing that one-size-fits-all approaches can be harmful.
Culturally responsive therapy increases motivation and outcomes for the culturally diverse population.
Therapy homework isn’t punishment
Between-session tasks help clients practice new behaviors and maintain momentum in their healing process. Research in the Behavior Research and Therapy journal shows that clients who complete therapeutic homework achieve 25% more rapid progress than their counterparts who fail to follow the assignments.
Assignments include journaling, mindfulness, behavioral experiments, and communication practice. The goal is skill building, not busywork.
Insurance coverage is expanding
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act ensures mental health coverage equals medical care in insurance plans. Most employers offer Employee Assistance Programs with free short-term counseling.
Sliding-scale fee therapists and community mental health centers also offer services regardless of insurance coverage.
Deciding to stop therapy is a mutual process
Good treatment entails planning for termination from the beginning, not abrupt terminations when seemingly there is a resolution of the problems. Research indicated that planned, phase-by-phase termination reduces relapse by 45% compared to sudden discontinuation of therapy.
Therapists help clients recognize when their goals have been achieved and when they are equipped to manage independently. Clients can return for occasional “booster sessions” or extra support during life transitions.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
I was in the grocery store the other day, and it hit me—I’m buying the exact same things I always do, but my bill just keeps getting higher. Like, I swear I just blinked, and suddenly eggs are a luxury item. What’s going on?
Inflation, supply-chain delays, and erratic weather conditions have modestly (or, let’s face it, dramatically) pushed the prices of staples ever higher. The USDA reports that food prices climbed an additional 2.9% year over year in May 2025—and that’s after the inflation storm of 2022–2023.
So, if you’ve got room in a pantry, freezer, or even a couple of extra shelves, now might be a good moment to stock up on these staple groceries—before the prices rise later.
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
We scoured the Internet to see what people had to say about gas station food. If you think the only things available are wrinkled hot dogs of indeterminate age and day-glow slushies, we’ve got great, tasty news for you. Whether it ends up being part of a regular routine or your only resource on a long car trip, we have the food info you need.
Let’s look at 6 gas stations that folks can’t get enough of and see what they have for you to eat.
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