Many people have misperceptions of therapy in Chicago.  

The increased media portrayal of therapy has normalized seeking help and reduced stigma, but has also created inaccurate and misrepresented impressions of therapy in Chicago.  It is important to keep in mind that therapy is a complex and individualized process that involves working with a trained therapist to address a wide range of issues and concerns. 

Consider These Myths about Therapy in Chicago:

Myth #1: Therapy is only for people with serious mental health issues.

Fact: Therapy in Chicago can be helpful for anyone who is struggling with emotional or mental health issues, whether they are mild or severe. In fact, therapy can be a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their overall mental well-being and enhance their quality of life.  Therapy can help people to better understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and can provide them with the tools and support they need to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

You don’t have to know what your goals are or what is keeping you stuck.  A skilled therapist will help you sort through your uncertainty so you can live the life you want.  Again, you don’t have to be riddled with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or trauma for therapy to benefit you.

Myth #2: Therapy is expensive and not worth the cost.

Fact: The cost of therapy in Chicago can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of therapy, the therapist’s experience and credentials, and the location of the practice. Most insurance plans cover individual therapy and couples therapy. Many therapists also offer sliding scale fees based on a person’s income and ability to pay. It is important to consider the potential benefits of therapy and the positive impact it can have on your life when deciding whether it is worth the cost.

Myth #3: Therapy means talking about your problems for hours on end.

Fact: While therapy often involves talking about your thoughts and feelings, it is not just about venting or complaining. Therapy is a collaborative process between a therapist and a client, and the therapist will use a variety of techniques and approaches to help the client identify and address the underlying issues that are causing distress. Therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes to an hour in length, and the focus of the sessions will be determined by the needs and goals of the client. We encourage you to have an ongoing conversation with your therapist about your treatment plan and the success or failure of the strategies they are using to help you.

Myth #4: Therapy is a long and slow process.

Fact: The length of time it takes to achieve results in therapy can vary depending on a person’s individual needs and goals. Some people may see significant improvement in a short amount of time, while others may need more time to work through complex issues. Our Chicago therapists and their clients work together to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the client’s specific needs, and progress will be monitored regularly to ensure that the therapy is meeting the client’s goals.

Myth #5: Therapy is only for people who can’t handle their problems on their own.

Fact: Therapy is not just for people who are unable to cope with their problems on their own. In fact, therapy can be a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their mental health and well-being. Seeking therapy is a sign of strength and self-awareness, and it takes courage to confront and work through difficult issues. Therapy can provide valuable support, guidance, and tools that can help people to better manage their challenges and lead more fulfilling lives.

Further, our Chicago therapists believe that you know yourself and that knowledge is powerful. We work to eliminate power dynamics in the therapeutic relationship; in a sense, we not only believe you can handle your problems, but we believe it’s our job to help you to do so.

Myth #6: Therapy depends only on the therapist and not the client’s engagement.

Fact: While the quality of the therapist is an important factor in the success of therapy, it is not the only factor. The therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client is important, but the client also plays a crucial role in their own therapy. The client’s commitment, engagement, and willingness to work on themselves and their issues are key to achieving positive results in therapy.

Myth #7: Therapy is just about talking and there is no action involved.

Fact: While therapy often involves talking and discussions, it is not just about talking. Many therapists use a variety of approaches and techniques to help clients understand and work through their issues. This may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on helping clients to identify and change negative thought patterns, or solution-focused therapy, which focuses on identifying and achieving specific goals. Therapy can also involve homework assignments or other activities that the client can do outside of the therapy sessions to help them make progress.

Myth #8: Therapy is only for adults.

Fact: Therapy can be beneficial for people of all ages, including children, teenagers, and older adults. Children and teenagers may face unique challenges and pressures, and therapy can help them to develop the skills and coping strategies they need to navigate these challenges. Older adults may face different issues, such as grief, loss, or changes in health, and therapy can provide them with the support they need to address these issues and maintain their mental health and well-being.

Myth #9: Once you start therapy, you have to go for the rest of your life.

Fact: The length of time that a person spends in therapy can vary depending on their individual needs and goals. Some people may only need a few sessions to address a specific issue, while others may need longer-term therapy to work through more complex or deeply rooted issues. The therapist and client will work together to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the client’s needs, and the therapist will monitor the client’s progress to determine when therapy can be terminated. Therapy is not a lifelong commitment, and the decision to continue or end therapy is up to the client and their therapist.

Myth #10: Therapists are gurus who give advice.

Fact: While therapists may provide guidance and support to their clients, their role is not to give advice or make decisions for their clients. Therapy is a collaborative process between the therapist and the client, and the therapist’s role is to help the client explore and understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and to develop the skills and strategies they need to address their challenges and achieve their goals. The therapist will not tell the client what to do or how to live their life, but will instead work with the client to help them identify and make their own choices and decisions.

It takes a lot of courage to engage with a therapist and seeking therapy is a sign of resilience and determination. Many people feel vulnerable confronting difficult emotions or the challenges they face, but seeking the support of a therapist can be an incredibly brave and empowering step.

In fact, research has consistently shown that therapy can be an effective treatment for a wide range of concerns. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 80% of people who receive treatment for depression experience a significant reduction in their symptoms.

Similarly, a meta-analysis of research on the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) found that it was effective in treating a variety of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Therapy can also lead to other positive outcomes, such as improved communication skills, increased self-esteem, and the ability to cope with stress and adversity in a healthy way. Overall, therapy can be a valuable tool for promoting mental and emotional well-being.

If you are ready to prioritize your mental health and engage with a therapist, we would be honored to help. It takes courage to take care of yourself and to prioritize your mental health, but it is a decision that can have a profound and lasting impact on your overall well-being. Contact us to schedule your first appointment!

This blog is made for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice.
The information in this blog is not intended to (1) replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified licensed health care provider, (2) create or establish a provider-patient relationship, or (3) create a duty for us to follow up with you.