7 Myths About Psychotherapy And Mental Health

By Author: Monica Quinn
Total Articles: 124
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While psychiatric medical care can cure depression on its own, research has shown that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is frequently the most successful treatment option. A qualified expert can help you overcome negative ideas and beliefs that may be contributing to your depression and guide you toward more healthy ways of thinking. Do not allow myths about psychotherapy prevent you from taking care of yourself.

1. Thera­py Is Only For People Suffering From Serious Mental Illnesses
People seek psychotherapy to address a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, and life transitions (e.g., job changes, marital/family difficulties, or managing chronic illness). Many people view therapy as a preventive measure.

Annual check-ups can provide you with guidance and recommendations on how to avoid further health problems. As an example, a primary care physician may advise you to increase physical activity in order to lower your cholesterol. In a similar manner, psychologists or therapists evaluate your symptoms and ...
... provide treatment options for alleviation.

2. If I Need to Consult a Psychologist, It Means I'm Weak
Seeking help for a problem demonstrates courage and resourcefulness. Consider a point in your life when you learnt something new, such as riding a bicycle for the first time or kicking your first soccer ball. To strengthen your abilities, you must practice on a consistent basis. If you fell or broke your leg, you would not hesitate to go to the emergency room. Remember that mental health concerns are related to how you think, feel, and behave. When you break down all of these components, your brain plays a very important part.

3. I Don't Need Therapy Because I Can Talk to Friends or Family Instead
While family and friends are wonderful sources of support, keep in mind that they are not your mental health professionals. A psychologist is an outsider in your life who should not be used to replace friends. Psychologists, like medical professionals, are highly trained and have spent years learning and practising how to diagnose and treat cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

In contrast to sharing with friends or family members, you can say whatever you want to your therapist without concern of offending or hurting others' sentiments.

4. Ther­apy Is Too Costly
The cost of treatment prevents many people from seeking it. You may seek a clinic that has a sliding charge based on your income. It's helpful to put things into perspective. When you consider the benefits of investing in your mental health, it makes sense to invest in working on the aspects of your life that are preventing you from living a full and satisfied life to the best of your ability.

5. A Therapist Can Only Assist If They've Been Through the Same Stuff I Have
Many people assume that if someone hasn't experienced what they're going through, they won't be able to understand or assist them solve their problem. The fact is that no one can feel exactly how you do. This is what makes each individual unique.

Understanding someone does not imply that you must have the same diagnosis. Clinical psychologists have the necessary education, training, and experience to comprehend and treat problems. If an experienced clinician recognizes that they are unable to appropriately address your concerns, they can certainly refer you to someone who is more qualified.

6. I Should Be Able to Repair Everything on My Own
Many people mistake not being able to repair their own problems as "fail­ing." A psychologist can assist you in determining what biochemical or behavioral factors may be to blame for the difficulties you are experiencing. When you have a problem, consult an expert.

7. Psychologists Only Listen to People Rant. Why Would I Pay Someone to Do That?
A psychologist is there to listen and work with you to understand where you are struggling in your life. Your psychologist's involvement extends considerably beyond this point. A psychologist will ask numerous questions at the start of treatment in order to understand your background and the circumstances that have led to the problem areas as you perceive and experience them.

Then, in collaboration with your psychologist, you will develop treatment and goal plans. Don't be surprised if your psychologist sets homework to help you master new strategies. Homework provides an opportunity to experiment with new behaviors or ways of thinking. When you follow up with your psychologist, you can discuss what worked for you and whether you are still struggling.

Greetings, my name is Monica. I graduated from New York Medical College and work as a nurse in Queens Hospital at the moment. The thing I love the most is morning jogging, because it is a wonderful way to keep myself in tonus. I like to communicate with people who care about their health. I became a vegetarian five years ago. Now my daily menu consists mainly of vegetables, fruits and different cheeses. I am a member of water polo team and I love gardening. I like to see how huge flowers grow out of the tiny petal, it dazzles me because I love spending my time outdoors. My goal is to visit all the USA parks, and then all over the world)