Although things are improving over the years, it is undeniable that some myths and erroneous beliefs continue to circulate the figure of psychologists and counselors. For this reason, we have got down to work and have prepared a compilation of those misconceptions that we encounter the most so you can get a clearer idea of what you will find if you decide to start a therapeutic process. Ready? Let’s go there.
Going to therapy is for crazy people or for people who are very, very sick.
That’s the most common myth and one of the least meaningful. Leaving aside how blurred the line is between “pathological” and “healthy” on a psychological level, we can safely say that going to therapy is for every human being. Going for counseling sessions consists of finding solutions to problems in which we find ourselves trapped, behavioral, emotional, or relational, or learning to manage our thoughts positively. Therapy does not necessarily “cure” a specific disorder or crisis but is aimed at all those who seek to improve and develop.
I should be able to solve my problems by myself. If I go for counseling, I am weak.
The ability to ask for help is not only not a symbol of weakness, but it indicates excellent strength. It takes courage and desire to start a therapeutic process that sometimes involves uncovering a wound to close it forever. When we excuse ourselves in this belief not to seek help, we are afraid because we prefer always to solve it and improve it.
Why am I going to go to the psychologist if I can talk to a friend?
No one can deny that a good conversation with a friend is very therapeutic, but it is not and will never be therapy. Some people think that going to a counseling session means talking for an hour about their problem and getting some piece of advice. But nothing could be further from the truth. The process begins with a highly structured evaluation by the therapist, which will function as a mirror in which you can see how some problems are really connected to others, how some beliefs that you thought valid are responsible for issues that you do perceive, and from there to establish therapeutic objectives to suit you.
Afterward, you will work on practical tools that will help you meet those objectives while creating a space of trust and work in which you can obtain a purpose and professional perspective of those issues that you decide to put on the table. In short, a conversation with a friend will allow us to unburden ourselves and see a perspective different from ours that can effectively help us, but little else. In fact, am I telling you a secret? Not even counselors, who work in consultation with therapeutic processes every day, can do the same with their friends. It is merely a different context.
I’m going to go to therapy, and the psychologist “fixes me.”
Psychological therapy is a very active process on the part of the patient, and the psychologist cannot “fix” anything for you if you do not do your part. No, they don’t have the magic wand to fix your mind! Between therapist and patient, a relationship of trust, work, and commitment is established for the process, which will allow change to be built. We put the how, but only you can make it happen.
I don’t believe in psychologists!
My favorite. When I hear it, I feel that counselors are some kind of wizards, and their profession is based on putting a toad’s eye and dragon’s tail in a cauldron. Psychology is not something to believe or not believe in; it is science. That means that the scientific model and method govern it, and the structures and techniques applied have proven validity. It means that people who exercise it have studied a university degree, a master’s degree, and we never stop training to be up-to-date. Human behavior and mind have been analyzed for decades to offer the knowledge we have today obtain the techniques we use.
Just as it’s obvious to visit the doctor whenever you have a fever, it’s likewise for a counselor. You must also see your counselor to help solve any psychological, emotional, or relationship problem. And yes, you can be sure that the treatment is scientifically sound and valid.
I hope I have helped you better understand the therapist’s figure and give you a more realistic and precise idea of what counselors do. Can you think of any other myths you’ve heard? Hope you share it with us, write us a message! Do you need to visit a qualified therapist? Contact Anger Management Course Online today!
