Therapists and Psychotherapy: A Closer Look
By: Alan Tsang, MA, LPC, NCC
Often times, beginning the experience of psychotherapy can be emotionally taxing and discouraging. From personal observations, many have wondered about the experience of therapy during the first meeting. There have also been questions related to what should happen in that first appointment. That being said, there can often times be confusing ideas about therapy and the therapists you work with.
Many professionals continue to advocate for mental health awareness and its positive effects (Robinson, 2020). However, there is still much to be said about the misconceptions of beginning therapy (Robinson, 2020; Simons, 2008). With so many listings for therapists in Chicago alone, it is understandable that there would be some level of angst in discerning how to pursue psychotherapy for oneself. A simple search would provide profiles for many therapists which might say similar things; where finding a strong connection to share personal experiences with could be difficult.
There can be many misconceptions of what therapists are actually like in a typical therapy session even with the amount of information provided in their listings and profiles (Robinson, 2020). It can also be understandable that there are assumptions about how therapists typically work with clients; whether focusing on relationships, life issues, or anxiety. Common myths and misconceptions of therapy and therapists often stem from misunderstandings and lack of knowledge about the experience; often times prohibiting those who would like to pursue therapy from doing so (Glasofer, 2020; Robinson, 2020; VanDerBill, 2021). Others have also suggested cultural differences as a strong deterrent from seeking mental health work (Hsiao, Klimidis, Minas, & Tan, 2006; Yip, 2005).
Glasofer (2020) wrote that there may be set expectations for what to work on when beginning psychotherapy. Whether these expectations are focused on improving relationship quality or mood, Glasofer (2020) also suggested that the expectations brought into a first appointment would also come with common misconceptions for how therapy would take place. While views on being in therapy have been suggested to have changed from previous negative connotations (VanDerBill, 2021), this would also lead to the point that many of the myths and preconceived expectations continue to persist regardless according to many (Glasofer, 2020; Robinson, 2020; VanDerBill, 2021).
Many myths focus on the idea that psychotherapy should only be for individuals perceived to be crazy. This is said with the notion that often times, media can portray therapy and counseling through the lens of the harshest environments and situations; supplying many with the idea of what the public envisions therapy to be like (Orchowski, Spickard & McNamara, 2006). While this may be the case for some therapists, this is not how many other psychotherapists actively participate in the field. Many work outside of hospital settings and in a private office setting. What some might see in fictionalized media representations of therapy might be focused on inpatient settings, where hospitalized individuals have a more difficult time functioning and participating in various roles in life.
This writing will focus on the misconceptions of participating in psychotherapy and psychotherapists. While there are many myths surrounding the field in itself, this work will focus on 5 common themes and stigmas that many may be confused by when thinking about therapy.
Here are some of the more common misconceptions surrounding psychotherapy:
1. Therapy is the therapist providing answers
A therapist is typically trained to listen to clients’ struggles and experiences. No one therapist would reasonably be able to completely provide an answer to another person’s presenting concerns without being an all-powerful deity in return; nor be directing the lives of people without the risk of encouraging dependency (Simons, 2008; Rubinstein, 2013). More realistically, a therapist has not fully lived the experiences or consequences that clients have faced. Therefore guidance or suggesting interpretations help create a connection between the client and therapist (Glasofer, 2020).
Robinson (2020) suggests that a typical therapist focuses on the presenting needs rather than providing pre-made responses. Such that it would not be validating nor fair to be given a response that might fit one’s experiences but not fully hearing the experience. Glasofer (2020) has also written that therapists may remind clients of past decisions and consequences; though this is not the same as providing an answer rather allowing clients to make new decisions for themselves.
2. All therapy / therapists are the same
It would not be uncommon for those beginning therapy for the first time to believe that all therapists and therapy operate the same. However, many therapists focus on specific schools of thought, for which there are many, that allow them to best work with the clients that they interact with. There are many different forms of therapy depending on one’s presenting issues. For example, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are among two of the more empirically studied modes of therapy making them some of the more well-known methods of contemporary psychotherapy. As another example, psychodynamic therapy focuses on uncovering unconscious thoughts that may influence current thoughts and behaviors and its links from past experiences (Casabianca & Welsh, 2021).
There are numerous methods of psychotherapy with numerous therapists also working differently depending on the clients’ situations (Robinson, 2020). No one therapist would work with depression or grief the same way the next therapist would. Such that different modalities and different methods of talking might influence results in varying ways. Many have also suggested that finding a therapist as a good fit, while challenging, would be beneficial based on one’s presenting needs (Glasofer, 2020; Moore, 2021).
3. Psychotherapy is for “crazy people”
One of the more common misconceptions of being in therapy, the idea that psychotherapy is for what some might define as “crazy” people seems to stem from the prefix ‘psycho’. Such that Simons (2008) has suggested that such a prefix being used for a system that has been defined to now focus on experiential, relational, and emotional life experiences does not help with validating those who may simply want support in their lives. The term psychotherapy has now evolved into an umbrella of work that focuses on not only what may be perceived in media as hospitalization experiences (Orchowski, Spickard, & McNamara, 2006), but also seeking support when needed for experiences stemming from life adjustments and emotional conflicts (Simons, 2008).
There may also be a cultural notion to this particular myth. In many eastern cultures, which will be the primary example in this section, expectations are placed in emotional restraint which would typically dismiss the need for therapy (Yip, 2004; Yip, 2005). Such an expectation in this example would also lead to societal standards of sound mental health in varying cultures as well; this current example being in Chinese cultures (Yang, Phelan, & Link, 2008). Additionally, therapy being a Westernized ideology would also deter those of different cultural backgrounds from participating in therapy (Yip, 2004; Yip, 2005). Yang, Phelan, and Link (2008) have also suggested that misgivings from family members would also play a role in discouraging the need for therapy as a means of preserving face in society. A lack in education about mental health and different understandings of what mental health services are may also be critical in this particular misconception (Hsiao, Klimidis, Minas, & Tan, 2006; Yip, 2005).
4. Psychotherapists can prescribe medication
A common mistake made is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist. By definition, a psychiatrist are medical professionals who tend to focus on prescribing psychotropic medications and monitor its effects on patients (Robinson, 2020). Psychotherapists fall under the umbrella of many professionals including social workers and family therapists. Such that while therapists and psychiatrists can often work in tandem to ensure the well-being of clients and patients (Robinson, 2020), respectively, therapists are focused on the everyday situations of people and allowing space for them to reflect and understand their experiences.
5. Therapy is a quick fix for problems
Drawing back to previous points regarding media based observations of therapy and answering being provided in the therapy experience (Orchowski, Spickard & McNamara, 2006; Glasofer, 2020), many fictional representations might portray a singular therapeutic experience as a quick solution for certain struggles (Robinson, 2020). In reality, therapy encompasses much of one’s living experiences. Having quick sessions, defined here as one or two sessions total, to “fix” one’s problems would be problematic in itself as it takes time to get to the root of any presenting issue.
The first few appointments typically focus on getting to know the client prior to determining what may be helpful (Glasofer, 2020). It may be uncomfortable for some to fully be vulnerable while in contrast some might feel comfortable expressing themselves as best as possible. However, a typical therapy session being approximately 50 minutes would still lead the idea of a quick fix to be unrealistic (Glasofer, 2020; Robinson, 2020). Such that it would also be unlikely that strong change and lasting effects of therapy would take root within the confides of minimal amounts of appointments.
To conclude, various writings would indicate that while thoughts about being in therapy have shifted towards a positive direction (VanDerBill, 2021). However, misconceptions about the process of therapy continue to linger in the present (Glasofer, 2020; Robinson, 2020; VanDerBill, 2021). Cultural differences may also play a role in some having preconceived thoughts regarding therapy and working with a therapist for external support (Yip, 2004; Yip, 2005; Yang, Phelan, & Link, 2008).
Entering into therapy has its concerns given the misconceptions it has faced in the past and continues to face. The reality of it all is that therapists are human like any other person (Simons, 2008). While therapists may not be mind reading gurus or wise like Jedi from Star Wars, they are genuinely invested in allowing the space for others to heal and grow emotionally. Myths and misconceptions might prevent growth from taking place; though the truth is that the therapeutic experience can be beneficial for all who choose to participate (Simons, 2008; VanDerBill, 2021).
If you believe you are ready to move past the stigmas of participating in psychotherapy, feel free to reach out to us. Therapists at Tandem Psychology Group are always welcoming in helping you understand not just your worth in entering this experience, but also enjoy the benefits it comes with. We can be reached through this our confidential contact form or through our new client line at 773.528.1777.
References
Casabianca, S. S. & Welsh, J. (2021). What are the different types of psychotherapy? Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/lib/types-of-psychotherapy
Glasofer, D. R. (2020). Common misconceptions about psychotherapy: What you can and cannot expect from psychotherapy. Very Well Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/common-misconceptions-about-psychotherapy-4067089
Hsiao, F., Klimidis, A., Minas, H., & Tan, E. (2006). Cultural attribution of mental health suffering in Chinese societies: The views of Chinese patients with mental illness and their caregivers. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 15(8), 998-1006.
Moore, M. (2021). What are the characteristics of effective counseling? Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/lib/characteristics-of-effective-counseling
Orchowski, L. M., Spickard, B.A., & McNamara, J. R. (2006). Cinema and the valuing of psychotherapy: Implications for clinical practice. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 37(5), 506–514.
Robinson, B. E. (2020). 10 common myths about therapy. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-right-mindset/202005/10-common-myths-about-therapy
Rubinstein, N. (2013). Myth madness: ‘Therapy relies on a therapist’s wisdom for answers’. Good Therapy. https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/myth-madness-therapy-relies-on-therapists-wisdom-for-answers-1011137
Simons, J. (2008). The myths of therapy. Good Therapy. https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/myths-of-therapy/
VanDerBill, B. (2021). 7 myths and facts about psychotherapy. Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/health/myths-about-therapy
Yang, L. H., Phelan, J. C., & Link, B. G. (2008). Stigma and beliefs of efficacy towards traditional Chinese medicine and Western psychiatric treatment among Chinese-Americans. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology. 14(1), 10-18.
Yip, K. (2004). Taosim and its impact on mental health of the Chinese communities. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 50(1), 25-42.
Yip, K. (2005). Chinese concepts of mental health: Cultural implications for social work practice. International Social Work, 48(4), 391-407.
