It’s 2016 and there’s still A LOT of mental health stigma out there. I get it…it’s not always easy or acceptable for folx to talk about their struggles OR even disclose that they’re in counseling. My gripe about all the secrecy is that it keeps something beneficial hidden from people who need it most, PLUS it spreads misinformation. Some of the myths that keep popping up are about starting counseling. Well, let’s bust these myths!
I SHOULDN'T START COUNSELING BECAUSE…
Myth #1: …my problem isn’t bad or urgent enough
The perception that the only people who go to counseling are those struggling with psychosis, self-harm, or violence, is just wrong. The truth is, people seek help for LOTS of reasons. Can you guess the most common reasons young adults go to counseling? Answer: stress, anxiety, depression, and difficulties with relationships.
Myth #2: …my problem is just me being dramatic
I often hear folx downplaying their concerns and trying to convince themselves that “it’s just all in my head.” Well—my stance on this is: If you’re bothered by something (whether it’s just in your head or not) …you’re still bothered, right? Might as well get it sorted out.
Myth #3: …my problem is too bad
People are afraid that the counselor will FREAK OUT if they tell them about their darkest thoughts and feelings. I’m here to tell you that counselors are THE PERFECT people to tell that stuff to, because they won't freak out, AND they have the skills to help you!
Myth #4: …my problem will burden the counselor
People worry that they will hurt their counselor by telling their story. Yes, counselors hear about things that are upsetting…and yes, it can be difficult for us sometimes because we’re humans and not robots. HOWEVER, people forget that we’re TRAINED to do this work! I’m talking about years and years of practice in listening and allowing sad and upsetting stories to be honored and told. AND years and years of learning how to care for ourselves so that we can be effective healers. This work is our passion! So please, share your story. You aren’t hurting us...you’re bringing us joy by allowing us to do the work we love.
Myth #5: …it’ll prevent someone else from getting help
You ARE WORTHY of help. You ARE DESERVING of a full life. And your concerns ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT as anyone else’s. Can you imagine how impactful your selflessness can be when you’re healthy and thriving—how helpful you’ll be when you’re well enough to pull others out of the darkness? The good you want for others must start with goodness for you.
Myth #6: …it’ll prevent me from getting a job
Nope. Not even a little bit. There’s this beautiful thing called confidentiality and you have the right to it by law! So, unless you openly talk about your counseling experience during a job interview, they will never know. You would have to give your counselor formal permission (by signing a bunch of paperwork) to release that information to an employer…and it’d have to be for good reason…they won’t just release your stuff all willy-nilly.
Myth #7: …I don’t believe in it
When people say this, it’s usually because they lump “Counseling” into a mental category labeled, "Magic, Lord of the Rings, and other things I don’t believe in.” The truth is, counseling has been rigorously researched over decades with consistent findings that it’s effective at treating mental health issues.
Myth #8: …counseling is a White people thing
This is a tough one because it’s a half-truth. All cultures typically have norms around who is/isn’t a helper/healer and under what circumstances it's okay/not okay to seek help. In some cultures, counseling simply isn’t one of the options. In White culture, it’s an acceptable form of help-seeking, so it’s automatically attributed as ‘a White people thing’ by those outside the culture. The problem with this myth is that it’s not the full truth. People of color can and do find counseling helpful and beneficial, especially when they work with a counselor who understands and is sensitive to the nuances of their cultural identity. Some counselors are more competent in this area than others and it's OK to inquire about it when locating the right counselor for you. Not sure where to start? See my step-by-step guide to finding a psychologist in Texas as well as a list of other things you didn't know you could say, ask, or do in counseling.
Myth #9: …I’ll get put on meds
Medication is not automatically prescribed, nor is it helpful or necessary for everyone. If it seems like medication is a good option for you, your counselor will talk to you about it first and then refer you to someone who can prescribe medication. You can say ‘no’—you won’t be forced to take meds. BTW, psychologists and counselors do not prescribe medication, only psychiatrists (more on that in my quick guide to the different types of mental health professionals).
Well, there you have it…9 myths busted into oblivion! If you have an idea about counseling and aren’t sure whether it’s a myth, don’t hesitate to ask. Shoot me an email or call me at (512) 586-7001. If you’re looking for culturally-informed services in Texas or help with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, schedule a FREE 15-minute phone consultation or read more about how I can help here.
Last updated: August 26, 2020