The Top Myths about Therapy, Counseling, Psychotherapy, and Coaching in Los Angeles
One of the great things about living in a place like Los Angeles (and Santa Monica in particular) is that there are lots of therapists and more and more people are becoming comfortable with talking about their experiences with therapy. But it can be so difficult to really know what therapy is like if you haven’t ever been, especially because we often get a lot of (mis) information from movies and TV!
So, you’re looking for a therapist in Los Angeles and you’ve found a few people that you think could be a good fit. You are probably still nervous and have a lot of questions – this is completely normal! Starting therapy and opening up to a new person is scary, and even scarier when we don’t know what to expect. People like certainty, so the fact that you might be feeling scared just means you are human! That’s where I come in. I hope this blog helps you unlearn some of the myths that we all have about therapy and allows you to feel more confident in starting.
Myth 1: I have to be really struggling to go to therapy and going to therapy means I am “messed up”
Many people feel that they should only go to therapy when they absolutely need it or have “hit rock bottom.” Nothing could be further from the truth. While therapy is a great support for when you are really struggling, you do not need to be at this point to reach out for help. Therapy can benefit anyone, no matter what you are going through. It can help you through a particularly difficult time in life or be a sounding board for when you are going through life transitions or just want an objective perspective. Therapy is often the one place where you get to focus just on you for a whole hour and have someone who will support you unconditionally. This experience is invaluable and can help you grow as a person in ways you might not have anticipated.
Myth 2: I’m going to lie down on a couch and my therapist is analyzing me
The days of Freudian analysis where the patient lies on the couch and the therapist asks about their dreams are over! While some therapists practice analysis, very few (if any) practice psychotherapy the way it once was done. Therapy is more often now seen as a collaborative exchange between two people – the therapist is there to support you and work with you to help you feel better and won’t be “reading your mind” or analyzing you. The foundation of therapy is a non-judgmental, compassionate space for you to feel supported.
Myth 3: My therapist is just going to nod and smile
On the flip side, many people fear that a therapist is just going to nod and smile, or throw in the occasional “mhmm” and not provide anything more than this. While a lot of therapy is about listening, this listening and space for you to talk has so much value and is a big part of what makes therapy effective. Also, therapists are engaged and will provide their thoughts and feedback as you continue to work together.
Myth 4: Therapists have all the answers
Contrary to popular belief, therapists do not have all the answers or have their lives together all the time! Therapists are humans too, and while we have experience and expertise in mental health, we do not always know the magic fix. Therapists are not there to give advice or fix your problems for you, but instead to be a supportive person to help you figure out what isn’t working and what you can do to feel better.
I hope this helps you find the right therapist in Los Angeles. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (424) 231-5877 for a free 15 minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with eating disorders, anxiety, or relationships, you can read more about how I can help here.