Talk Therapy Misconceptions

There are many beliefs about Talk Therapy that simply aren't true. Here are some of the more common ones:

# 1:  Only weak people need Talk Therapy - I should be able to solve my own problems.

It takes a great deal of courage and strength to face life's issues head on rather than hiding from them or pretending they don't exist. People who seek therapy often end up experiencing tremendous personal and professional growth. Sure, at times they are scared, but they are willing to work through their fears so that they can identify the things they REALLY WANT in life and then go on to achieve them. As a person and a holistic talk therapist, I am constantly amazed at the strength and courage of my clients. 

#2:   I am not the kind of person who goes to a therapist.

Talking with a professional talk therapist about the patterns and issues that occur in life can be beneficial for many people. Whether you desire to be happier, adjust and or change your behaviors that are affecting your health or relationships, become more passionate about your life, or seek a different understanding, talk therapy can assist you in reaching your goals.

# 3:  Talk Therapy is all about the past.

Sometimes talk therapy involves talking about the past as a way to understand how to adjust and or change things for the future, but, good talk therapy does not involve talking endlessly about what has already happened. Most people just don't have the time or desire to go over and over things in the past - they want to make things better in the present. Although certain elements of  the past are critical in shaping how each of us thinks and behaves in the present, the kind of talk therapy I do emphasizes what you can do NOW - this day, this minute, this coming week - to adjust and to change how you feel and what you experience in the world.

#4:  Talk Therapy is just talking and I can do that with my friends or family.

There is no substitute for friends and family -- their loving support can make life much more enjoyable, and they are often invaluable resources when life gets difficult. Talk Therapy is different from these relationships. Talk therapists hold vast amounts of knowledge about how the human mind and emotions function and how these functions can determine beliefs, behaviors and patterns in relationships. A good talk therapist provides a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your most private thoughts and feelings, assists and help you decide on adjustments and changes you want to make in your life, while opening up opportunities for you to grow.