The top myths about counseling, therapy, psychotherapy, and coaching in Windsor, California
The unknown is always scarier than the thing itself, right?
If you’ve read my previous blogs, I hope that you’re feeling prepared for your first session. Therapists in Windsor, CA, and Sonoma County in general, are a group as unique as the culture up here in wine country. You’ve done the consultations and found the right counselor for yourself from this awesome community. You feel prepared for the first session, you think, but there are still those lingering fears about what it means to see a therapist and what it means about you. Allow me to pull back a little of the curtain to help you confront some of the thoughts you may be now having.
Myth: Counseling is only for people who are “crazy” or have serious emotional concerns; “My problems aren’t serious enough to see a counselor.”
Truth: Counseling is for anyone is struggling, no matter how herculean or mundane the struggle. If you know that you want things to be different and you don’t know how to change them, therapy is the place to be. Seeing a therapist is act of self love. Craziness not necessary.
Myth: A counselor has the answers and will tell you how to fix your problems.
Truth: A counselor will not give you answers or tell you how to fix your problems. A counselor will help you to find your own answers. Each of us has our own map to happiness and fulfillment. I don’t know what would make you happy. A therapist will support you in identifying your own map for happiness. Trust me. This is best for you.
Myth: Couples counseling always makes one person the villain.
Truth: You’re both the villains. Just kidding. Kinda. Couples therapy is looking at how both partners contribute to the challenges in the relationship. It isn’t about culpability. The focus of couples work is on the relationship and how each member can contribute to a healthier relationship.
Myth: Counselors just sit there, nod, and stay silent.
Truth: While there may times where you will feel as thought you are taking up all the space, most therapists will engage with you during session. They will ask questions, offer thoughts, or challenge what you are thinking. Counselors will also be silent as you digest something that you just said. The journey is complex. A therapist is thoughtful about both silence and voice when supporting your inner work.
Myth: Therapy is for weak people.
Truth: The amount of strength to pull out the stuff that you are ashamed of and show it to someone when you need help, that is real strength. Have you struggled with asking for help? How much strength does it take to ask for help? There is a pervasive myth that mental health challenges are a sign of weakness. It is not true. Your mental health is as important as your physical health, and you seeking professional help when your pain is more than you can tolerate in either arena is vital.
New things are scary. If you are still uncertain if you’re “sick” enough for therapy or you aren’t convinced that others won’t see you as weak, call me for a free consultation at 707.593.6333. If you are looking for support to build healthy relationships, including your relationship with yourself, take a look at my services here.
