Over the last couple of decades, more people have been open about seeking therapy for a variety of problems. Unfortunately, the stigma associated with therapy has been slow to decline and continues to inhibit people from receiving help. There are numerous reasons why there should not be shame associated with therapy.
#1) Therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness.
One of the most common myths about individuals seeking therapy is that they are weak, because they cannot deal with their own problems. Just as it is a sign of strength to admit being wrong, there is strength in admitting the need for help. It is also a sign of maturity. There are many problems and severity of problems that are too difficult to handle alone. Sometimes, individuals are unaware that they are ineffectively handling their own problems until it translates into poor sleeping, decreased productivity or hurting the feelings of those closest to them. In some cases, an individual may choose to self-medicate instead of consulting a trained professional. This often leads to abuse and dependence problems, only magnifying the situation.
#2) Therapy is private.
Unless the client threatens harm, what is said to the therapist stays private. Therapists and similar professionals have an Ethics Code. One of the most important parts of ethics is maintaining the confidentiality of clients. During the course of therapy, it may be useful for the therapist to have a session with a spouse, child or other relative. If the client feels comfortable with this, they can rest assured that anything said during their therapy session will not be relayed to the family member.
#3) Therapy is not an act of betrayal.
Some individuals feel embarrassed at the thought of talking about family problems with a stranger. In many families, it is a rule that whatever happens within the family stays there. This situation can be difficult because it becomes a revolving door. In most circumstances, the problem is never addressed within the family, yet it can never be addressed with a third party. No one should feel ashamed to talk about spousal or family problems with a therapist, especially if they cannot confront the people directly.
#4) It is difficult to surprise a therapist.
Another major cause of shame for individuals needing therapy is the fear they will embarrass themselves. Of course it can be uncomfortable talking about private thoughts or behaviors to a complete stranger. Therapists have heard about or encountered many different situations, actions, thoughts or behaviors, so there is no reason to think they are passing judgment. In most cases, clients that have regular therapy sessions feel quite comfortable talking with their therapist about a variety of topics.
#5) Not everyone in therapy has a mental illness.
Many individuals with a diagnosis of depression, anxiety or other mental illnesses have regular therapy as part of their treatment. However, therapy is not limited to individuals that have ongoing treatment for a diagnosis. A client may choose therapy to help get through a traumatic event, like the loss of a loved one or experiencing a natural disaster. In other situations, the client might be a student that needs help getting adjusted to college life and the stress of being an excellent student. Therapy is often a way to sort out a problem and gain suggestions from a person that is unbiased and not emotionally attached to the situation.
About The Author
Amy Sanders is a family therapist and guest author at Best Therapy Schools, a site with information about top-rated online therapy schools.
cc licensed flickr photo shared by Joe Houghton
