Therapy 101: Dispelling Common Misconceptions About Therapy
1. What is therapy?
Therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is a form of treatment that aims to alleviate emotional distress. Therapy sessions are often structured, collaborative, and goal oriented. During therapy, mental health provider such as a Psychologist or Social worker provides a safe and non-judgmental space for people to explore their emotions and openly share their thoughts. Therapy is shown to be an effective tool for leading happier and healthier lives.
2. What kinds of problems can therapy help with?
Therapy can help people cope with a variety of life stressors including self-esteem issues, traumatic loss, relationship problems, marital conflict, stress management, bullying, sleep issues, medical illness, history of trauma, depression, anxiety, and more.
3. What kinds of therapy are there?
There are different kinds of therapies including individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, and group therapy.
4. What are the benefits of therapy?
Therapy can help people develop coping skills to deal with stressful experiences, improve relationship, develop a better sense of self, improve communication skills, build positive self-esteem, heal from traumatic experiences, develop perspective taking skills, improve sleep, just to name a few!
5. Who is therapy for?
Therapy is for everyone! A common misconception is that therapy is only for people with serious mental health problems, however everyone can benefit from therapy! It can help people cope things from everyday life events and prevent future psychological crisis.
6. How do I find a therapist?
Finding the perfect mental health provider takes time and patience. It can be helpful to go directly to your insurance company’s website to check which providers are in network. You can also use an online database such as the American Psychological Association (APA) or Psychology Today. There websites offer great ways to narrow down your search using filters to find a provider that meets your unique needs. For instance, if you are searching for therapy services for your child who experiences separation anxiety then you would search “Child” and “Anxiety.” Other factors to consider when searching for a psychologist may include provide credentials, treatment approach, session cost, clinic location/hours, and area of expertise.
7. Are mental health services be covered by my medical insurance?
Yes! Many therapists accept medical insurance. To find out, check the providers’ website or contact the provider directly to inquire about insurance.
8. How long does the intake process take?
Once you’ve found a therapist, it’s time to begin the intake process. Most intakes take 1-2 sessions and consist of gaining ample background information about your psychological history, family history, developmental history, medical history, and treatment goals. During this time, you should also be thinking about whether the provider is a good fit for you! It can take people a few tries before finding a mental health provider they are most comfortable and pleased with.
9. How do I know if the therapist is a good fit for me?
Finding the right therapist requires some trial and error. It’s important to find someone that is a good match for you. This may be based on their personality, gender, cultural background/cultural competence, values, or experience.
If you are interested in accessing mental health services use this Mental Health Services Resource Guide for more information.
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