Top 5 Myths About Psychotherapy

Let's talk about "it"-- therapy, psychotherapy, treatment, sessions.  Can you imagine the first time someone openly shared with you that they were in therapy? Or maybe they simply blurted out some new brilliant insight beginning with the phrase, "well, my therapist said..." Or perhaps someone suggested you "see someone ".   Who is "someone" and what are you suppose to be "seeing" in them? This article may not give you all the answers to this seemingly mysterious amorphous interaction, but it'll sure help you feel a bit more grounded in understanding what psych treatment is not.

The following  are some of the most common myths about psychotherapy treatment. 

5. Your psychologist will cure you:
Sorry folks, I have no magic wand, no fairy dust, and I do not have telepathy. If I was able to gain access to any of the aforementioned, I would care enough to share it with you. For now, I only share skills and insights that you in fact usually lead me to.  Many psychologists like myself identify as being guides or teachers. Just ask about our histories. Many of the doctorate level psychologists I know have had experience teaching or supervising other psychologists. It is part of the skill set in many ways to be a guide who may lead one to increased insight about their unique existence. 

4. Going to treatment means I'm crazy:
Crazy is a judgment. It is not a helpful word in many ways because it simply leads back to a dozen other ambiguous words that need definition (i.e. deranged, insane, mad). Judgments usually aren't helpful. Additionally, judgments often make us feel worse. So whatever it means to be "seen by someone",  be clear about it. Start by challenging what it means to actually know you are suffering. Through accepting therapy you've simply acknowledged that your pain had become unmanageable, and you saw your life as worthwhile enough to choose to learn new coping skills. This sounds less "crazy" than continuing to operate on the same old ineffective ways to maintain suffering .

3.  It's not a good investment:
This is so wrong. Many physical ailments are rooted in psychological distress and a lot of psychological distress can contribute to developing or worsening previous physical conditions. Emotional health matters. Emotional distress is connected to many common medical diagnoses including high blood pressure, headaches, bulimia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), psoriasis,chronic pain, & addiction related diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver . With adequate clinical psych care many people are able to manage or alleviate  bothersome symptoms. If your struggle with one or more medical conditions, talk to your primary care physician more about whether or not mental health treatment will improve your prognosis.  Or contact us for assistance in beginning this conversation by clicking on the button below. 

2. It's okay to have a social relationship as long as both parties are consenting adults:
Not always true! When you're sharing your life challenges and successes with someone,  it can feel natural to want a more full relationship.  However,  dual relationships can easily transform into one of the most dangerous ethical violations. Some of the more blaring examples, include sexual encounters with your provider. There's a reason why TV episodes over-sexualize the fictional therapeutic relationships (as seen in TV shows In Treatment or The Sopranos ). Sex with a client is one of the most egregious  acts one could commit; and shock and drama sells in the entertainment business. Less obvious dual relationships include doing business with or casually engaging in social activities with your clinician. No matter how much you think it'll be the best relationship you've had, the consequences of these relationships can be unhealthy and harmful. 

For more info on the benefits and consequences of having a dual relationship in therapy, and how to avoid harmful dual relationships, check out this link to: http://www.zurinstitute.com/dualrelationships.html

If you've experienced a harmful dual relationship and need help,  check out the following link for more info on how therapy never includes sex: http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/proftherapy.shtml

1. It'll take years to fix me:
You were never broken, just struggling to accept and participate effectively in your reality. Some people need only a few sessions to gain perspective and meet their goals. Others will need more time to undo, or untwist--if I may, the habitual negative self talk or destructive behaviors they've developed. Note that the way you are now was effective at some point; but  remember that the one constant reality is that life changes. So our strategies for operating within the world must change too. Psychotherapy treatment should provide you with the tools to operate effectively within the current reality of your life. 


Part of therapy includes unpacking some of the self imposed myths we establish throughout the years to survive or manage life transitions. I hope this season you can find strength to unpack some of your own myths. If you need help; we're here for you too. Use the button below to reach out for more info on how to unpack myths and assign new meaning to your life. 

Peace and Resilience,  
Dr.  Oshi-Ojuri
Ojuri Psychology Practices

OPP Can Help