5 myths about mental health therapists wish everyone knew

Clinical psychologist Raksha Rajesh busts five common myths about therapy and explains why mental health care is for everyone, not just those in crisis (Image: Pexels)

We talk so much about our physical health, but mental health is equally important — and yet so stigmatized. Many still view therapy as something only people in crisis — those with the gravest of mental illness — could benefit from. In fact, therapy can be a valuable resource for anyone interested in pursuing personal growth, emotional well-being or new ways of managing challenges.

Like we go to the doctor for physical health screenings, checking in with a mental health professional periodically can be useful to ensure our psychological health stays strong. But myths about therapy unfortunately also perpetuate an image that we just can’t seem to shake, and they prevent people from seeking the support they deserve — whether because it’s considered a sign of weakness, only for certain kinds of problems or talking to friends should suffice. Such myths prolong the journey to recovery, and also distance people making them feel resentful and marginalized.

Raksha Rajesh Clinical Psychologist (RCI Registered), Samarpan Health tells Moneycontrol about five misconceptions about mental health and encourages all to see therapy as a proactive step toward better emotional well-being.

This is one of the big myths out there, where it is said that therapy is a "last resort". This last resort is usually said to be for those individuals in a "critical" moment. The reality, however, is that therapy is not always a "last resort" or for "critical problems"; it is for their well-being, if they want to process difficult experiences of their life, manage strained dynamics and build stronger relationships, and find their way through transitions, among others.

One of the misconceptions of many is that therapy is for individuals who are "weak" or unable to solve problems by themselves. This is based on cultural beliefs that drive us to "figure this out by yourself" or to "tough it out". Seeking therapy is not actually a sign of being weak; it is an act of acceptance and courage for a better way to cope with life

The concept of "digging up your childhood" is commonly propagated by the media. Nevertheless, some therapies are based on issues and patterns in the here and now. There are various models of therapy which have been proven to be effective for specific conditions, i.e., all concerns do not necessitate attention to the past

Most individuals tend to hold back because they feel they need to or are required to reveal everything during the first session. The reality is, absolutely everything is in the hands of the individual as far as what they would like to disclose during the session. Therapists place a focus on your comfort and readiness, knowing that developing trust takes time that permits growth without complete openness at once

This myth arises from the assumption that therapy is effective only if the therapist completely "gets it" or has the same experiences. Good therapy is a function of the therapist's empathy, competence, and capacity to connect and build safety so that clients feel heard and cared for.

Addressing the myths of mental health does more than benefit individuals; it changes the system. Misconceptions continuously hinder the process of receiving help, push families to ignore early warning signs of distress, and establish work cultures that disavow emotional well-being. They also lead to underfunded and underserved systems. Challenging the myths enables us to bring people in for treatment sooner and create a culture where mental health care is available, normalised, and valued as integral to general health.

This is a prevalent myth suggesting that therapy is a "last resort" for individuals in critical moments. In reality, therapy is not just for crises; it is for anyone wanting to process difficult experiences, manage strained relationships, or navigate life transitions, among other issues.

Many believe that therapy is for those who are "weak" or unable to solve problems independently. Cultural beliefs often push us to "figure things out" on our own. Seeking therapy is actually an act of acceptance and courage to find better ways to cope with life.

The media often portrays therapy as delving into childhood issues. However, some therapies focus on current issues and patterns. Various therapy models are effective for specific conditions, and not all concerns require attention to the past.

Many people hesitate because they think they must disclose everything in the first session. In reality, you control what you share during sessions. Therapists prioritise your comfort and readiness, understanding that building trust takes time and does not require complete openness immediately.

This myth stems from the belief that therapy is effective only if the therapist has the same experiences. Good therapy relies on the therapist's empathy, competence, and ability to connect and create a safe space where clients feel heard and cared for.