Considering Psychotherapy treatment, or is something impeding your efforts?

by Janelle Johnson, MA, LPC, NCC​

If you have an issue that needs attention, has put you or someone else In imminent danger, you need solutions and resources, you desire change, you are not coping healthily, your emotions are affecting your body, you are concerned with how you are behaving, you are court ordered to see a therapist, you are not communicating effectively in your marriage, your children are acting out, you are struggling with a life transition, you are struggling with an addiction, you are overwhelmed, you are struggling with a loss, you have been traumatized by an event; in these cases, you may want to explore the psychotherapy treatment option and benefits to cope in a healthy way.

There are psychotherapy misconceptions that impede individuals from seeking therapy when psychotherapy may be a beneficial option. I received a list of reasons people do not believe psychotherapy would be a good fit for them. You may see psychotherapy differently after reading this article.

REASONS RECEIVED AND MY RESPONSE TO THEIR PERCEPTIONS:

1.      People go to therapy if they have a severe mental illness.

Some people do have severe mental illness and go to therapy. People seek therapy for various reasons. People may want to recover from grief/loss, find solutions, gain resources, communicate effectively, or make a change.

2.       Certain cultures of people do not go to counseling.

Some individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds may not seek therapy. However, some individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds do seek therapy. A psychotherapist serves all populations. Some psychotherapists specialize in working with a particular cultural group of people.

3.       I don’t know the first step to finding a therapist.

You can find a therapist from referrals, Google search, an insurance list, the yellow pages, psychotherapy sites, an ad, or an employee assistance program. Therapists offer an initial consultation to allow you to ask questions and discuss your expectations. Psychotherapists disclose their education, credentials, specialties, methods, fee structure, boundaries, limitations, and hours. All of this information can aid you in the process. 

4.       There are better ways to get help.

There are other ways to get help. People can seek a second opinion at any time when in voluntary mental health treatment.

5.       I cannot afford therapy.

Psychotherapists charge a range of fees and offer affordable counseling. People have the right to know the therapist's fees before they begin therapy. There are psychotherapists who offer affordable counseling, utilize a sliding fee scale, and accept insurance payments.

6.       I don’t want to re-live the past that I have buried.

Discussing your feelings can bring awareness to the emotions and actions you exhibit. Additionally, you may find clarity or solutions to resolve issues or forgive someone from your past.

7.       I don’t want to be labeled crazy.

Psychotherapists are non-judgmental. Psychotherapy is confidential. Psychotherapists do not disclose client information without their consent.

8.       I don’t know what my problem is. How will they know?

Psychotherapists are trained in the field to guide you, meet you where you are, intervene when necessary, provide information and resources, and assist in finding resolutions.

9.       I don’t have time for therapy.

Some psychotherapists see clients during the day, in the afternoon, evenings, and weekends. Some psychotherapists accommodate clients’ schedules.

10.   They are just trying to control me.

Voluntary therapy can be terminated at any time. You should not be in the dark about the psychotherapy process; you should be informed. You can ask your psychotherapist about their treatment methods and techniques.

11.    I will just pray about my issues.

The power of prayer may lead you to answers or move you to action. Psychotherapy is not the only or first means of getting assistance with issues for some people. However, psychotherapy is a viable means of addressing issues, adding coping skills, gaining resources, talking through thoughts/feelings, reducing stress, recovering from grief/loss, and making changes to optimize health and well-being.

Mental Health Treatment is available to you.

Some qualified psychotherapists may be a good fit for you when you are ready to begin therapy and do the work towards desired changes.