Therapy beyond the taboo: myths & facts

Therapy: the facts behind the myths

Myth 1: Therapy is only for people with serious problems.
Fact: Therapy is for anyone who wants to understand themselves better, learn to deal with challenges or simply grow as a person. You do not have to wait until you get stuck; therapy can also work preventively.

Myth 2: I should be able to solve everything myself.
Fact: Asking for help is a sign of strength rather than weakness. A therapist offers you a safe space to reflect and gain new insights that you might not discover on your own.

Myth 3: Therapy is time-consuming and complicated.
Fact: Thanks to online therapy, you can talk to a therapist from home, or wherever you like. This saves time and makes it easier to schedule sessions.

Myth 4: A therapist does nothing my friends or family cannot do.
Fact: Talking to friends and family is valuable, but a therapist offers a professional, objective and non-judgemental view. Therapists are trained to recognize patterns, understand deeper causes and offer techniques tailored specifically to your needs.

Myth 5: Therapy means I have to talk about my past all the time.
Fact: The past is sometimes discussed, but therapy often focuses on the present and the future. It is about how you can improve your life now and reach your goals.

Myth 6: Therapy is not necessary as long as my problems do not affect my work.

Fact: Even if your work does not seem to suffer from your mental or emotional state at first sight, underlying tension can build up. By stepping in early, you prevent problems in your personal life from having a negative effect on your performance at work.

Myth 7: If I seek therapy, my employer will think I am not capable.

Fact: Many employers today understand the importance of mental wellbeing and support employees who seek help. Some companies even offer programmes that make therapy easier to access. Improving your mental wellbeing can actually boost your productivity and working relationships. At BloomUp, for example, your request for a consultation also stays anonymous, so your employer does not need to know if you prefer that.

Myth 8: Therapy does not help with work-related stress.

Fact: Therapy can be very effective in learning to deal with work stress. A therapist can teach you to set boundaries and priorities, and to develop healthy ways of dealing with challenging situations at work.

How therapy helps you through big changes in your life

If you are going through a major life change, such as a new job, a move, a break-up or a loss, therapy can help you deal with it in a healthy and constructive way. Here are a few ways therapy can support you:

• Gaining insight into your feelings. A therapist helps you understand what you feel and why, so you can make more conscious choices.
• Learning practical strategies. Therapy offers tools and techniques to deal better with stress, uncertainty and other emotions.
• A safe place to talk. Sometimes you simply need someone who listens without judgement. A therapist offers that space.
• Long-term growth and change. Therapy can help you break patterns that no longer serve you and create a life that better fits who you want to be.

Conclusion

Not sure whether therapy is for you? See it as an investment in yourself. Whether you choose online or face-to-face therapy, you do not have to do it alone. The most important thing is to take the step and give yourself the chance to grow, heal and be heard. Why wait?

Joyce van der Heijden is a clinical psychologist and is available through BloomUp.

Joyce van der Heijden

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