Common Misconceptions About Therapy

I often hear clients tell me how surprised they feel after a session with me, as it did not match what they were expecting. I’ve heard everything from “we thought this would be like the Sopranos” to “aren’t you going to tell me exactly how to live my life?” While TV, social media, movies, and even society have certain ideas on what therapy is, here’s actually what therapy is like from a licensed clinical social worker, and what it’s not.

Therapy is a space to understand yourself. As a therapist, I’m trained to help you look at your thoughts, your feelings, your patterns, and how they affect your life and interactions with others. A lot of times, it takes an outsider to notice certain patterns that we do or ways that we respond. Therapy gives you the tools to not just identify these patterns, but figure out the why and how as well.

Therapy is a place to talk openly without judgement. Have you ever had a thought that you felt you needed to get out, but weren’t sure how the people in your life would view you? Therapy is the perfect opportunity to share whatever is on your mind. And I promise you, whatever you are scared of being judged for, I have heard it all, and probably something much worse. My goal as a therapist is to make my space as safe as possible, so you can be your true authentic self.

Now let’s talk about what therapy is NOT.

Therapy is not just someone giving you advice. I will not tell you how to live your life. I believe that you are the expert in your own life. I’ll give you the tools and the insight, but you make the decisions. I also will not judge you for the decisions you make, even if I don’t personally agree with it.

Therapy is not a place where you need to be “in crisis” to attend. Many people benefit from therapy for life’s everyday moments, as it gives you an opportunity to explore your inner self. I have clients that may have started when they were in crisis, and continued to come after returning to their normal state.

Ready to learn what therapy truly is like? Book a free consultation with me today!