Considering Psychotherapy treatment, or is something impeding your efforts?

By Dr. Janelle Johnson, PhD, LPC, NCC​

Considering Therapy? Addressing Common Misconceptions About Psychotherapy

People consider professional counseling (psychotherapy) for many different reasons. You may be experiencing anxiety, grief or loss, relationship difficulties, unhealthy coping patterns, overwhelming emotions, concerns about your behavior, addiction, trauma, or a significant life transition. You may want to communicate more effectively, strengthen your relationships, develop healthier coping skills, better understand yourself, or have a supportive space to work through what you are experiencing.

Seeking therapy does not necessarily mean that something is “wrong” with you or that you have a severe mental health condition. Psychotherapy can provide an opportunity to explore your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and experiences while developing strategies that support your mental and emotional well-being.

Misconceptions about psychotherapy can sometimes prevent people from considering therapy when it may be a beneficial option. Over the years, I have heard many reasons people are hesitant to begin therapy. Below are several common concerns and some information that may help you view psychotherapy differently.

Common Concerns About Therapy

1. “People go to therapy only if they have a severe mental illness.”

People seek therapy for many reasons, and having a severe mental health condition is only one of them. Individuals may enter therapy to process grief and loss, manage anxiety or stress, navigate relationship concerns, adjust to life transitions, strengthen coping skills, improve communication, increase self-awareness, or make meaningful changes in their lives.

2. “People from my culture do not go to counseling.”

Attitudes toward mental health and therapy can differ across families, communities, and cultures. Some people may have experienced stigma around counseling or been taught to handle personal concerns privately.

Finding a therapist who respects your culture, values, identity, beliefs, and lived experiences can be an important part of the therapeutic process. You can ask prospective therapists about their experience working with people from backgrounds similar to yours and their approach to culturally responsive care.

3. “I do not know the first step to finding a therapist.”

Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming, but you have several places to start. You might receive a referral from a healthcare provider or someone you trust, search a therapist directory, contact your insurance company, use an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), or search for therapists in your area or therapists who provide telehealth services.

Before beginning therapy, you can ask questions about the therapist's credentials, experience, specialties, therapeutic approach, fees, insurance participation, availability, and policies. Finding someone you feel comfortable with is an important part of the process.

4. “There are better ways to get help.”

Therapy is one of many forms of support. Depending on your circumstances, helpful resources may also include medical care, support groups, community programs, spiritual support, trusted family and friends, educational resources, or other professional services.

These options do not always have to compete with one another. For some people, psychotherapy can be one part of a broader support system.

5. “I cannot afford therapy.”

Cost is a legitimate concern, but other options may be available. Depending on the provider, these may include health insurance, EAP benefits, sliding-scale fees, reduced-fee services, community mental health programs, or private-pay arrangements.

Before beginning therapy, ask about fees, insurance coverage, payment policies, and available options so that you can make an informed decision.

6. “I don't want to relive a past that I've buried.”

Beginning therapy does not necessarily mean immediately revisiting every painful experience from your past. Therapy should be collaborative, and you can discuss your concerns, goals, boundaries, and readiness with your therapist.

Exploring past experiences may sometimes help you understand how they affect your present thoughts, emotions, behaviors, or relationships. However, therapy can also focus on present concerns, coping strategies, strengths, goals, and the changes you would like to make moving forward.

7. “I don't want people to think I'm crazy.”

Seeking mental health support does not define your worth, character, or identity. People seek therapy for a wide range of emotional, relational, behavioral, and life concerns.

Therapists must protect client confidentiality within legal and ethical limits. Your therapist should explain confidentiality and its exceptions as part of the informed-consent process.

8. “I don't even know what my problem is. How will a therapist know?”

You do not have to have everything figured out before beginning therapy. In fact, uncertainty about what you are feeling or why you are struggling may be one reason to seek support.

A therapist can work collaboratively with you to explore your concerns, identify patterns, clarify goals, develop coping strategies, and determine what may be helpful for your individual circumstances.

9. “I don't have time for therapy.”

Finding time for therapy can be challenging. Depending on the provider, appointments may be available during the day, in the evenings, on weekends, or through telehealth.

It may help to ask prospective therapists about scheduling options and see whether their availability fits yours.

10. “A therapist is just going to try to control me.”

Therapy should be a collaborative process. You should have opportunities to ask questions, understand your treatment, discuss your goals, and provide feedback about what is or is not working for you.

If you are participating voluntarily, you can also discuss your right to discontinue treatment with your therapist. Court-ordered or otherwise mandated treatment may involve different requirements, which should be clearly explained.

11. “I'll just pray about my problems.”

For many people, prayer, faith, and spirituality are meaningful sources of comfort, strength, guidance, and connection. Choosing psychotherapy does not necessarily require someone to abandon those beliefs or practices.

For individuals who desire it, spirituality or faith may be incorporated into therapy in a manner consistent with the client's values and preferences. Psychotherapy can provide another source of support for processing emotions, strengthening coping skills, navigating grief and loss, managing stress, exploring relationships, and working toward meaningful change.

Therapy Is an Option

Mental health treatment is available when you are ready to explore it. Finding the right therapist may take time, and it is reasonable to ask questions before deciding whether a particular professional is a good fit for you.

Psychotherapy is not about having someone else tell you how to live your life. At its best, therapy is a collaborative process that provides space to understand yourself better, explore concerns, identify strengths and resources, develop healthier coping strategies, and work toward goals that are meaningful to you.

You do not have to wait until you are in crisis to consider therapy. Mental and emotional well-being deserve attention, too.

Updated September 28, 2026