When in graduate school, I never thought that there was a "stigma" about psychotherapy and how some people may not see the value in it. The longer that I have been a therapist, the more I have found that there is a stigma and my goal is to help others see the benefits. Friends and family are good to talk to about problems and may provide a level of support; however, they have a vested interest in your happiness and they may also have some judgement. Have you ever told a friend about problems in your relationship and she may have said, "oh my god, what a jerk. You should leave him!". While that may provide you temporary support, it may not be sound advice for the long term, as you may have made up with your partner and your friend may have a negative opinion of your partner because of the information you have shared. Psychotherapists provide an outlet for you to share your most personal thoughts and issues in a non-judgemental environment.
Here are some common misconceptions about therapy:
1. You are weak if you ask for help. This is probably the most common misconception, due to people believing that you must be able to handle all of your problems on your own and asking for help means you are weak minded. This is far from the truth. Therapists are there to help you navigate through life and teach your skills to be able to handle whatever may come to you. It's a place for you to share ideas and thoughts without fear of judgement or ridicule. It's weak not to ask for help.
2. Therapists are there to give you advice. Therapists are not advice givers. Let's say that again... Therapists are not advice givers. Therapists are there to help you see your options, to hold a mirror up and show you what you are giving to the therapist. In many cases, that's all it takes to help the client make the change that is needed. Have you ever heard, "I'm great at giving advice to my friends, so I would make a great therapist." Well, giving great advice is much different than being a trained therapist.
3. All therapists are the same. Just like most things, each therapist is different and has a different approach to therapy. One may be a MFT (Marriage & Family Therapist) or a Psy. D. (Psychologist) or a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and each has different training and expertise. There is not a one-size-fits all in terms of therapists, it's like any other occupation, you may fit with one and not with another. It's ok to shop around to find the one that fits with you; you may not connect with one therapist, but that doesn't mean you won't connect with another. The point is to keep looking, you will find one that you will connect with.
4. My therapist will solve my problems. Therapists do not solve their clients problems, what we can do is help our clients figure out their own solutions. The goal for therapists is to give their clients the tools they need to navigate their life and resolve issues that will inevitably come up. Another goal for therapists is to get clients to the point where they don't need us.
The above is just a sample of the common misconceptions regarding therapy. Overall, therapists are team mates with their clients and together they determine the best treatment plan. Life can be difficult and there may be times when you may need help and it's not weak to ask for help, it's actually strong. Together we can all squash the stigma of mental illness.