7 misconceptions you may have about talk therapy!

What do you think of when you hear the word 'therapy'? Is it about sitting on a sofa, holding a box of tissues, and paying a fortune to someone who doesn't even understand you? Or is it something that only applies to the most mentally disturbed or "mentally ill"? If that's the case, take a moment and read this. The truth is much different.

In fact, we can all benefit from this type of talk therapy at some point in our lives. But it takes effort on your part, a therapist who is compatible with your needs and who truly understands you, and the time it takes to see results. So let's take a look at 7 of the biggest misconceptions that many people have about therapy and what they're really like.

1. "My childhood is useless now..."

Many people come to therapy to talk about a problem in their current life. It could be a problem at work, a problem in a relationship, or a problem with their children. But often what we need to work on is not the problem of today, but the way we relate to our past.

Just think, if your parents didn't understand you properly when you were a child, or didn't value your feelings, even those small things can have a big impact on your self-confidence and the relationships you form with others when you grow up. Like everyone who comes to therapy, their current issues are somehow connected to their childhood experiences.

2. "Therapists are all the same..."

Not at all. Just as there are different types of specialists among doctors, there are also different types of therapists. And the treatment methods are also different from each other.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This involves identifying, challenging, and changing the negative behaviors and thought patterns that are causing problems in your life.
• Psychoanalytic Therapy: This focuses on how your subconscious influences your behavior.

So, don't assume that the first person you meet will be the right one for you. Just like going to several stores to buy a nice dress, it's a good idea to talk to several therapists to find the one that's right for you. The main things to look for are:

• Is that person a licensed counselor ?
• Whether there is expertise in the area you are seeking help in (e.g., marriage counseling, trauma, eating disorders).
• Also, whether you feel a good fit and comfortable talking to that person.

3. "I just want medicine, there's no point in talking..."

This is also something that many people think. "If you need medication for a mental health problem, you definitely need therapy," psychiatrists say.

Think about it, medicine is like a plaster that you put on a wound. It only suppresses the symptoms. But therapy is about finding the cause of that wound and healing it from within . Taking medicine alone without therapy is just suppressing the symptoms without getting to the root of your problem.

Therapy is the only way to get to the root of the problem. Talking therapy helps you understand where your problems are coming from, what causes them, and treat them. The real cure is to dig into your problems, gain a deeper understanding of them, and find a better way to move forward. It is best to talk to your doctor and decide whether you need medication or therapy.

4. "That's not right..."

Many people are skeptical about this treatment method because they have misinformation about it.

Sometimes another reason for this doubt is fear . "A lot of times, the fear of 'it won't work' is because of fear. They know they have problems they need to solve, but they're afraid to face them. That fear comes out as the barrier of 'it won't work.'" But when you put that fear aside and get into the process, that's the first step you're taking in the right direction.

5. "I can't afford the cost..."

This is a big problem for many people, but you don't always have to pay a lot of money.

There are free mental health clinics in government hospitals in Sri Lanka. You can find out more about them at your nearest hospital. Also, some university psychology departments provide low-cost services under supervision through trainees.

Even in the private sector, some therapists accept insurance coverage. Those who don't, for those who need help but can't afford it, offer a sliding fee scale that varies based on their income . Many therapists do this as a service, out of a desire to help people. So if you're having trouble, you can often talk it over and agree on a reasonable fee.

6. "I don't know if therapy will make me more confused..."

Some people fear that talking about their past and painful things will make them unable to bear it and that they will become even more depressed. But that is not the case.

A good therapist knows how much you can handle at a given moment, and when to back off a little. They never push you beyond your limits. Therapy is not about fixing everything at once. It's about doing it little by little , that is, only as much as you can handle at that moment.

The important thing is that you decide how far you go and when you talk about it. You are in control. When you work with a therapist who is right for you, you can go at your own pace, in a way that feels safe for you.

7. "I don't have time for that..."

Although this may seem like a reasonable reason with today's busy lives, there are now solutions for that too.

"Therapists are now working weekends and evenings ," experts say. They understand how busy patients are. Not only that, but technology has also come to their aid.

After you meet with a therapist face-to-face and discuss your needs, some therapists are willing to do sessions over the phone or even via video calls . In-person sessions are usually the best option, but if time is an issue, there are options like these.