Myths About Therapy: A Closer Look
By: 2SC Staff
As a psychologist in Lakeview, Chicago, I hear a lot of misconceptions about therapy. Some are funny, some are frustrating, and some are so wildly inaccurate that I have to wonder if people are getting their information from movies where the therapist is either a mystical guru or a total disaster. (Looking at you, Good Will Hunting and The Sopranos.)
Therapy is often misunderstood, and these myths can keep people from getting the help they need. So let’s set the record straight by busting seven of the biggest myths about therapy.
Myth #1: Therapy Is Only for “Crazy” People
Let’s start with the most persistent myth out there: that therapy is only for people who are “crazy” or have severe mental illness. Reality check: Therapy is for anyone who wants to improve their life. Stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, career uncertainty—these are everyday human experiences, not signs of being “crazy.” In fact, a lot of my clients are high-functioning professionals, parents, and students who just want to feel more in control of their emotions and decisions. Besides, let’s retire the word “crazy” altogether, okay? It’s outdated and stigmatizing.
Myth #2: Therapy Means You’re Weak
Ah, yes. The good old “just tough it out” mindset. We don’t apply this logic to physical health (you wouldn’t tell someone to tough out a broken leg), but somehow, emotional struggles are supposed to be muscled through? Seeking therapy isn’t weak—it’s one of the strongest things you can do. It takes courage to admit that you need help and even more courage to actually do something about it. In therapy, you’re not just venting; you’re learning tools and strategies that help you thrive. That’s strength, not weakness.
Myth #3: All You Do Is Talk About Your Childhood
Yes, childhood experiences shape who we are, and sometimes we do talk about them. But therapy is not just lying on a couch while I nod thoughtfully and say, “Tell me about your mother.” Therapy is about what’s happening in your life now and how to make it better. It can be all about CBT therapy approaches. Sure, we might explore past experiences if they’re relevant, but therapy is about moving forward, not just looking back. Also, for the record, very few therapists still use couches like in the movies. (I do have a comfy chair, though.)
Myth #4: Therapists Just Sit There and Nod
If my job were just to nod and say, “And how does that make you feel?” I would have fallen asleep by now. Good therapy is interactive. I ask questions, challenge you when needed, and help you connect the dots in ways you might not have considered before. Think of therapy like a mental gym—if you show up and expect your therapist to do all the work, you won’t see results. It’s a collaboration, not a monologue.
Myth #5: Therapy Takes Forever
Some people picture therapy as this never-ending process that lasts for years. While some forms of therapy are long-term, many people start seeing real changes in just a few months. It depends on what you’re working on, how engaged you are, and the type of therapy you’re doing. Some people come in for a short-term boost, while others appreciate ongoing support. The timeline is flexible—and you’re in control of it.
Myth #6: Therapists Have All the Answers
I wish I could tell you I have all the answers, but I don’t even know what I’m making for dinner tonight. Therapists don’t have a magic manual with all of life’s solutions. What we do have is training in human behavior, coping strategies, and emotional patterns. I can help you figure out the best path forward, but therapy isn’t about me giving you the answers—it’s about helping you find them yourself.
Myth #7: If You Have Friends, You Don’t Need Therapy
Friends are great. They offer support, love, and sometimes a well-timed meme that makes everything feel a little better. But therapy is different. A therapist is an objective professional who is trained to help you work through challenges in a way that friends can’t. Friends mean well, but they might just tell you what you want to hear—or they might have their own biases. A therapist gives you a safe space to process your emotions without judgment or personal stakes. Think of it this way: Your friends might be great at giving pep talks, but therapy helps you understand why you keep getting into the same frustrating situations in the first place.
Final Thoughts: Therapy Is for Everyone
Therapy isn’t just for people in crisis—it’s for anyone who wants to grow, heal, or simply navigate life’s challenges with more ease. If any of these myths have been holding you back from starting therapy, I hope you’ll reconsider. And if you’re in the Lakeview area and thinking about giving therapy a try, let’s talk. I promise I won’t just sit there and nod.
