By Siyi Dong, Mental Health Clinician, Center for Counseling and Wellness
MYTH: Therapy is only for people with "serious" mental illness.
FACT: Therapy supports everyday challenges like stress, relationship issues, burnout, and more – not just clinical diagnoses.
MYTH: Talking to your friends is the same as therapy.
FACT: Therapists are trained professionals who use evidence-based techniques to help you understand patterns, build skills, and create lasting change.
MYTH: Therapy means laying on a couch and talking about your childhood.
FACT: Modern therapy is goal-focused, practical, and collaborative, addressing current challenges and creating actionable solutions to help you grow.
MYTH: Therapy will "fix" you.
FACT: Therapy empowers you with tools, insight, and support – you remain in control of your growth and decisions.
MYTH: Strong people don't need therapy.
FACT: Seeking therapy is a sign of self-awareness and strength. High-performing individuals often use therapy to improve resilience and performance.
MYTH: Therapy is a lifelong commitment.
FACT: Therapy is flexible and personalized. You can attend therapy short-term to work through specific goals or choose long-term support to help you grow.
MYTH: Therapists will judge you and tell you what to do.
FACT: Therapists provide a non-judgmental, confidential space to help you make your own informed choices.
MYTH: Therapy is too expensive.
FACT: Many therapists offer insurance coverage, sliding-scale fees, or online options that make therapy more affordable and convenient.
MYTH: Therapy doesn't really work.
FACT: Research consistently shows that therapy is effective for improving mental health, emotional regulation, relationships, and overall quality of life.
MYTH: You must be in a crisis to start therapy.
TRUTH: Therapy is proactive – many people start when things are "okay" to prevent burnout, strengthen coping skills, and maintain well-being.
Ready to learn more about the benefits of Mental Health Therapy? Contact the Center for Counseling and Wellness today - we have Immediate Openings for Mental Health Therapy, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services, and Psychiatric Services for Adults and Children! Call 814-866-4500 today to schedule an appointment!
