Many people wonder what therapy is really like—and what it isn’t. Misconceptions can stop someone from getting help that could change their life. At Peck Counseling, we believe therapy is for everyone, not just those in crisis. Below are some of the most common myths, and what the facts really are.
Myth 1: Therapy is only for a crisis
What people often think: “I’ll wait until things get really bad. Therapy is for emergencies or when I can’t handle it anymore.”
The truth:
- Therapy is useful at many stages—not just when there’s a crisis. It can help with early signs of stress, relationship issues, or just feeling stuck and wanting to grow.
- Working through challenges before they escalate often leads to more sustainable wellbeing. You learn tools, build resilience, and understand patterns so you’re better prepared for whatever comes.
- At Peck Counseling, we work with clients whether they are navigating everyday stress or recovering from trauma. Our goal is to meet you where you are.
Myth 2: Therapy is too expensive / takes too much time
What people often think: “Only wealthy people or those with free time can do therapy. It’s a long haul that I can’t afford—either money or time-wise.”
The truth:
- While therapy comes with costs, many practices accept insurance.
- Telehealth (online sessions) is increasingly available, reducing travel and related time burdens.
- Even a few sessions can help—it’s not always about attending forever. Sometimes checking in regularly, or doing short-term therapy toward a goal, is enough.
- Also, the cost of not doing anything can be high: mental health impacts physical health, relationships, productivity, overall quality of life.
Myth 3: Therapy is “just talking”—nothing concrete happens
What people often think: “You just sit there and talk, but at the end, you’re in the same place.”
The truth:
- Good therapy is more than idle conversation. Therapists use evidence-based techniques (like CBT, EMDR, attachment-based work, art therapy, etc.) to help people understand, practice, and change.
- Therapy involves setting goals, reflecting, practicing new skills, and often doing “homework” or experiments outside session. You build tools to manage emotions, behaviors, and thought patterns.
- You are heard and validated—and that in itself is powerful. But there is an active process: noticing where patterns show up, where they come from, and how they can shift.
Myth 4: “Nothing changes” / “Therapy doesn’t work for me”
What people often think: “I’ve tried therapy before and didn’t feel better,” or “It won’t make a difference for me.”
The truth:
- Improvement in therapy can be gradual and non-linear. Change isn’t always dramatic or immediate—sometimes it’s in small shifts: more self-awareness, better coping when things are hard, noticing things you couldn’t see before.
- If therapy didn’t help in one situation, it doesn’t mean therapy can’t help. Sometimes it’s a matter of fit (therapist/client match), type of therapy, how often sessions happen, or clarity of goals.
- Also, healing is rarely a straight line. You might take two steps forward and one back; that doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human.
So What Is Therapy, Really?
Here’s what you can generally expect:
- A safe space to explore. Therapy is confidential and guided by someone trained to listen, reflect, and help you find clarity.
- A collaborative process. You and the therapist work together: uncovering what matters to you, identifying your goals, and choosing approaches or tools that feel right for you.
- Personalized tools & strategies. Depending on your needs, this might include talk therapy, art or play, EMDR (if trauma is involved), attachment-based work, coping skills, etc.
- Regular check-ins and flexibility. Therapy isn’t static. As you grow, what you need may change. Good therapists check in on how things are going and adjust.
- Celebration of growth. Progress, no matter how small, is meaningful. Therapy often ends (or pauses) when goals are met, but support can always resume.
Why Therapy Is For Everyone
- Mental health is part of overall health. Just like you might see a doctor for physical health, seeing a therapist for emotional or mental health is equally important.
- Different life stages come with different challenges: children, teens, adults—all benefit, though needs look different. Where children might need Play Therapy or Autplay, teens and adults may lean more toward EDMR & CBT.
- Therapy supports resilience—not just in crisis, but in navigating normal life: stress, transitions, relationships, grief, identity, and more.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve held onto one or more of these myths, you’re not alone—and it’s absolutely okay. But letting go of those myths can open the door to healing, self-discovery, and growth you might not otherwise have thought possible.
If you’re curious what therapy might look like for you, Peck Counseling offers an initial consultation to listen, understand, and start together. You don’t have to wait until things are at their lowest—you deserve support now.
