The Toolbox at LisaKiftTherapy.com

If you’re considering seeing a therapist, it’s important to go in as educated as possible around what you can expect – and with some awareness of what therapy will NOT do for you.  As much as psychotherapy has moved into the realm of acceptance in our culture, there are still a lot of misconceptions about the process and what the therapist does – and particularly what their role is. 

Here is what I believe to be the biggest myth of therapy:

MYTH: The therapist will fix me. 

It is totally understandable that you might assume you are going in to be fixed.  After all, you’re paying good money to someone who’s been trained in his/her field, right?  Alas, this is not the case.  If any therapist tells you they will “fix” you, immediately turn the other way and run like hell.  This is a common misconception so if you thought this was so – you’re not alone! 

It’s quite understandable that you might desperately want to be “fixed” but what this line of thinking is missing is the fact that you’re more able to do this (with a bit of help) than you may even realize.

It is said that much of the change that occurs in the therapy room is a result of the relationship itself.  If there’s a safe environment for you to dig deep and make the shifts you’d like to – and you’re ready for change – change can be yours.  Though the therapist may gently guide the ship or suggest possible direction, it is the client who does the work of implementing lasting change in their daily lives – primarily outside of the therapy office.

So if you’re looking into seeing a therapist to help you sort something out, remember you’re a huge part of the equation that equals “mental health,” “inner peace,” “emotional health” or whatever presently has you stuck.  A good therapist will tease out your own sense of mastery along with providing you the benefit of their expertise.  It’s a combination of what you know and what they know.  And you just might know more than you think you do!

Be sure to also see The First Session of Individual Therapy: What to Expect.

If you’re looking for a therapist, see the therapist and counselor directory for resources.

—————————————–

Lisa Brookes Kift is a psychotherapist in private practice and the creator of The Toolbox at LisaKiftTherapy.com.  Subscribe to Lisa’s Therapy Articles RSS Feed to be notified of new material.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.