Therapy isn't what you think: busting 5 therapy myths

BAM Therapy
Sep 3, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Sep 9, 2025

Despite growing awareness of mental health, many people still hesitate to seek therapy. This hesitation often stems from therapy stigma, misconceptions, and outdated stereotypes about what therapy is—and who it’s for. In truth, therapy is not a last resort or a sign of weakness; it’s a powerful tool for growth, healing, and resilience. Let’s break the therapy stigma by exploring five common myths about therapy and uncovering the reality behind them to discover the benefits of therapy.

Myths about therapy

Myth 1: “Therapy is only for serious problems.”

REALITY: Therapy supports a wide range of emotional, relational and mental health needs. While it is highly effective for experiences such as depression or anxiety, many people come to therapy to improve relationships, build confidence, manage stress, or navigate life transitions. Therapy can be preventive and empowering, not just a response to crisis.

Myth 2: “Seeing a therapist means I’m weak.”

REALITY: Seeking therapy is an act of courage and self-awareness. It shows strength to recognise when additional support would be helpful. A therapist provides a confidential, supportive space where you can process emotions, develop coping strategies, and build long-term psychological resilience.

Myth 3: “Therapists will judge me or tell me what to do.”

REALITY: Therapy is a collaborative, non-judgmental process. A psychologist’s role is to listen, guide, and help you explore solutions—not to dictate your choices. Sessions are designed to empower you, not control you.

Discovering the benefits of therapy by debunking common therapy myths.

Myth 4: “Talking to friends is the same as therapy.”

REALITY: Friends and family can be wonderful sources of emotional support, but therapy is different. Therapists use evidence-based techniques, maintain neutrality, and are bound by strict ethical standards, ensuring a safe and confidential space to explore deeper emotions.

Myth 5: “Therapy is just talking about problems.”

REALITY: While conversations are a part of therapy, the process is structured, goal-oriented, and active with explicit practicing and experiencing of evidence-based interventions. Psychologists use psychotherapy models to inform therapy and use approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and other psychological strategies evidenced in theory and research to help you create lasting change and build self-awareness.

What really happens in therapy

In a therapy session, you’ll find a safe, confidential partnership focused on your wellbeing. Your Psychologist will start by understanding your goals, challenges, and strengths. Together, you’ll create a personalised plan for therapy—whether that’s building coping skills, processing emotions, or breaking patterns that hold you back. Over time, therapy becomes a supportive space for growth, reflection, and practical change.

Choosing therapy is not a sign of weakness—it’s an investment in your mental and emotional health. By challenging the stigma of therapy and embracing support, you’re taking a powerful step toward clarity, confidence, and long-term well-being.

Starting your therapy journey

Dr Kayleigh Darch is a HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist offering high-quality and expert online therapy to people living in Devon and the UK. If you're considering therapy, then you might like to find out more about: online therapy, the main therapy models used, and Kayleigh's qualifications, background and skills.