Table of contents:
- Psychotherapy myths that don't need to be believed
- 1. Psychotherapy is only for mentally disturbed people
- 2. Psychotherapy will not help you
- 3. You will be given a prescription for medicine
- 4. "My partner is a psychologist, I don't need to attend therapy."
Psychotherapy is a treatment to help people who have mental problems or are experiencing emotional difficulties. The therapy session is carried out in the form of an interaction, where the patient will tell his / her complaints to the therapist who will help find ways to overcome them.
Although it was a very useful session, unfortunately there are still many psychotherapy myths that are still believed by many people.
Psychotherapy myths that don't need to be believed
Psychotherapy can actually be one of the best ways that can help overcome the various burdens that are stuck in the heart. However, the various myths that still surround many people back and forth to do it. So, what are these myths?
1. Psychotherapy is only for mentally disturbed people
This myth may have become the most common stigma in society. Often times, people hesitate to do psychotherapy because they are afraid that they will be asked questions that are cornering or are considered mentally ill.
In fact, a person does not have to be mentally ill to get psychotherapy services. Therapists in psychotherapy are themselves broad-based professions, which means that the range of concerns they receive is very diverse.
You can just consult about things that are bothering you, such as love affairs or relationships with people closest to you. Some people also use psychotherapy as a personal development aid that will be useful for pursuing a career.
2. Psychotherapy will not help you
Some people think that going to a psychotherapist is a waste and will not help them. Many think that psychotherapy sessions are only filled with patients telling stories with a therapist who only listens.
In fact, therapists don't just listen and take notes. They will also help find solutions to your problems. It's just that, they also need time to figure out the patterns of behavior that you normally do when faced with something.
The therapist seems silent and does not respond or instead immediately provides solutions. This is because the therapist must consider several things carefully before telling you what ways to deal with your life's problems.
The therapist will also ask some questions to get answers which can be a key element in developing strategies for changing patterns of thought and behavior.
This is where your cooperation is also needed. Besides having to be more interactive, of course you don't want psychotherapy to end in vain just because you didn't do what was suggested, right?
However, there are times when psychotherapy doesn't work. If all efforts have been made but you do not feel any changes, maybe the therapist who attended is not in accordance with the goals of therapy. Therefore, it is important for you to choose the right therapist before doing psychotherapy.
3. You will be given a prescription for medicine
Source: Pharmaceutical Technology
Myths about psychotherapy are also still believed. This is because not many people know that mental health professions are not just one type that works for all.
Some may think that coming to psychotherapy is the same as going to a psychiatrist. Even though the two are very different.
Psychiatrists are handled by specialists who study mental health or psychiatry. The problems handled are more complicated and require special care. Psychiatrists also diagnose patients with mental disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
While psychotherapy is given by psychologists, counselors, or social workers. Because psychologists are not medical doctors, they generally cannot prescribe medications or perform other medical procedures.
Although different, the two often work together. Psychiatry doctors are in charge of providing drugs and medical treatments such as brain therapy. Then, the psychologist will be in charge of providing psychotherapy, which is still the main method for long-term outcomes.
4. "My partner is a psychologist, I don't need to attend therapy."
You can just think why it is worth spending on psychotherapy if you can consult with someone closest to you for free. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily your only guide.
The therapist profession has gone through special education and training to be able to listen and solve problems impartially. As people who work professionally, they are encouraged to provide neutral, non-judgmental solutions.
Meanwhile, even if the people closest to work as a therapist, they have a tendency to comfort you. They will usually tell you positive things about you, again in order to make you feel better.
If you want an objective solution especially if the problem has started to interfere with your daily routine, it's better to do psychotherapy with a professional therapist with whom you don't have a relationship.
Doing psychotherapy is not an easy matter. It takes courage and a lot of consideration that you have to think about. However, going to a psychotherapy consultation does not make you a weak person.
In fact, it can be a positive achievement for both your personal development and your mental health. So, don't hesitate to go to a psychotherapist if you really need help. Also do the best possible preparation so that therapy runs smoothly.
