The Top 10 Myths About Therapy and the Truth Behind Them
At Agape Health & Wellness, we understand that starting therapy can feel like a big leap, especially when myths and misconceptions create unnecessary barriers. Therapy is not just for crisis moments. In fact, it’s a resource for anyone who wants to grow, heal, or navigate life’s challenges with professional guidance.
Unfortunately, outdated ideas and media portrayals have fueled misunderstandings about what therapy really is. Let’s break down the top 10 myths and replace them with evidence-based truths.
1. Therapy is only for people with serious mental illness.
Therapy benefits everyone. While it’s an essential treatment for conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD, it’s also a valuable tool for stress management, life transitions, relationship challenges, and personal growth (Duly Health & Care, 2024). Just as you don’t need to be an elite athlete to benefit from a personal trainer, you don’t need a diagnosis to benefit from therapy.
2. Therapists just tell you what to do.
Therapy is collaborative, not prescriptive. Effective counseling involves exploring your unique experiences, thoughts, and emotions so you can discover your own solutions (Laska et al., 2014). The therapist’s role is to guide, support, and challenge you, not dictate your choices.
3. If I start therapy, I’ll be in it forever.
The length of therapy depends on your needs and goals. Some people attend short-term, solution-focused therapy for 8–20 sessions, while others benefit from long-term work (Charlie Health, 2025). Duration is determined collaboratively between client and therapist, and you can stop whenever you choose.
4. Talking about my problems will make me feel worse.
Discussing difficult experiences can bring up strong emotions, but this is a natural and temporary part of healing. Research shows that processing emotions in a safe, supportive setting leads to reduced distress and improved resilience (Psychology Today, 2020). In fact, while some clients experience temporary discomfort, it often precedes long-term relief (Psychotherapy, 2025).
5. Therapy is just someone who listens.
Listening is important, but therapy also involves structured, evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 2025). Therapists provide specialized tools, coping strategies, and insight that go beyond friendly conversation.
6. Needing therapy means I’m weak.
Seeking therapy is a sign of strength and self-awareness. It takes courage to acknowledge struggles and pursue change, and therapy provides a safe environment to do so (Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, 2024). Asking for help is an active step toward resilience, not a mark of weakness.
7. Therapists will judge me or think I’m crazy.
Therapists are trained to provide empathy and unconditional positive regard, not judgment (Skyland Trail, 2024). The therapeutic relationship is built on trust, confidentiality, and respect, ensuring you can speak openly without fear of stigma.
8. Therapy is too expensive and not worth it.
Many clinics, including Agape Health & Wellness, accept insurance, offer sliding-scale fees, and provide telehealth to make therapy accessible (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2023). When you consider the long-term improvements to mental health, relationships, and quality of life, therapy is an investment in yourself.
9. Therapy doesn’t work for everyone, so it’s not worth trying.
While no single approach works for all, therapy can be tailored to fit individual needs. The key is finding the right therapist and approach, whether that’s CBT, EMDR, solution-focused therapy, or another evidence-based method (Charlie Health, 2025). Even if progress feels slow, therapy can provide tools that last a lifetime.
10. I can just talk to friends or family instead.
Friends and family are valuable support systems, but they can’t provide the objectivity, training, or confidentiality that therapy offers (Psych Central, 2021). A therapist offers structured strategies and a nonjudgmental environment that personal relationships often can’t match.
Conclusion
Debunking these myths opens the door for more people to access therapy without fear or stigma. At Agape Health & Wellness, we provide personalized, evidence-based care to help you move toward your goals, whether that means managing symptoms, navigating life’s changes, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself.
📞 Ready to start? Call us at (763) 231-1497 or email intake@agapementalhealth.com to schedule an appointment.
References
Charlie Health. (2025). 5 therapy myths. https://www.charliehealth.com/research/therapy-myths
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. (2025). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy
Duly Health & Care. (2024). Debunking 8 myths about seeking mental health therapy. https://www.dulyhealthandcare.com/health-topic/debunking-8-myths-about-seeking-mental-health-therap
Laska, K. M., et al. (2014). Common factors theory. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_factors_theory
Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2023). Fact sheet: Common mental health myths and misconceptions. https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/resource/fact-sheet-common-mental-health-myths-and-misconceptions/
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. (2024). 7 myths and 7 truths about psychotherapy. https://msfocus.org/Magazine/Magazine-Items/Posted/7-Myths-and-7-Truths-about-Psychotherapy
Psych Central. (2021). 7 myths and facts about psychotherapy. https://psychcentral.com/health/myths-about-therapy
Psychology Today. (2020). 10 common myths about therapy. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-right-mindset/202005/10-common-myths-about-therapy
Psychotherapy. (2025). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychotherapy
Skyland Trail. (2024). 4 myths about therapy. https://www.skylandtrail.org/4-myths-about-therapy/
