May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a perfect time to clear the air about therapy. Despite growing awareness, many myths still linger that keep people from getting the support they need. So let’s talk about it. Here are some of the most common myths I hear as a therapist—and the truths that can help you feel more at ease.
Myth #1: Therapy is only for people with serious mental illness.
Truth: Therapy is for everyone. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. Many clients come to therapy to navigate life transitions, improve relationships, or deepen self-awareness. Therapy is a proactive act of self-care, not a last resort.
Myth #2: Talking about my problems will make them worse.
Truth: Avoidance keeps pain stuck. In therapy, naming your experience in a safe, supportive space can lighten the emotional load. It’s not about reliving trauma—it’s about making sense of it with someone who’s trained to help you hold it.
Myth #3: The therapist will tell me what to do.
Truth: Good therapy isn’t advice-giving. It’s collaborative. You are the expert in your life; the therapist is there to support reflection, insight, and emotional healing—so you can make empowered choices.
Myth #4: If I start crying, I won’t be able to stop.
Truth: Emotions come in waves. Crying in therapy is safe and normal—and often a sign that something important is being released. Your therapist can help you move through those moments with care and containment.
Myth #5: Therapy takes years.
Truth: While some people choose long-term therapy, others find meaningful change in just a few months. It depends on your goals, needs, and preferences. There’s no one-size-fits-all.
So, what does happen in therapy? Therapy is a space to be fully human. You’ll explore patterns, process emotions, build tools for regulation, and most importantly—be seen and heard without judgment. Whether you’re untangling anxiety, grief, trauma, or just trying to feel more like yourself, therapy can offer clarity, connection, and lasting change.
If you’ve been curious about therapy but uncertain because of what you’ve heard—this is your invitation to take another look. Your mental health matters, and support is closer than you think.
Therapy isn’t about being broken. It’s about being brave enough to get curious about your inner world. This May, for Mental Health Awareness Month, consider this your invitation to drop the myths—and step into something more honest, and more healing.
Ready to explore what therapy could look like for you? Reach out for a free consultation — Let’s start with a conversation.