• MYTH: You have to have a mental illness to go to counseling. 

• FACT: It is true that some people who have severe mental illnesses work with counselors to manage symptoms, but counselors also help people work through everyday problems like relationship issues, sadness, grief, and career transitions.

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• MYTH: Seeking counseling is a sign of weakness.

• FACT: Seeking counseling is a way to proactively manage your problems. If you have problems that impair your ability to function day to day, a counselor can teach you skills to handle difficult times. In addition, some people seek counseling services to improve their already great lives. Counseling can help people develop skills that will help them excel in specific areas such as sports, business, and leadership.

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• MYTH: If you go to counseling, everyone will know and judge you negatively.

• FACT: Going into counseling shows that you are willing to learn about yourself and ways to improve your life. It takes strength to call a counselor to make an appointment. They do not judge their clients — counselors welcome you. Please know that counselors have heard a lot of life stories, and they hold each one with confidentiality and respect. Counselors want to decrease the stigma related to seeking counseling and to create a world where seeking counseling is as common as seeking relief from the common cold.

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PRO: Research demonstrates that psychotherapy is effective for a variety of mental and behavioral health issues and across a spectrum of population groups. The average effects of psychotherapy are larger than the effects produced by many medical treatments.  

PRO: Large multi-site and meta-analytic studies have demonstrated that psychotherapy reduces disability, morbidity and mortality; improves work functioning; and decreases psychiatric hospitalization. 

PRO: ​Psychotherapy teaches patients life skills that last beyond the course of treatment. The results of psychotherapy tend to last longer than psychopharmacological treatments and rarely produce harmful side effects.

PRO: According to the American Psychological Association, therapy help people of all ages live happier, healthier and more productive lives.” 

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Resources

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Dr. Kerulis, Michele. "Counseling Awareness Month: Myths and Facts of Counseling.” Counseling.Northwestern.Edu, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, 12 April. 2020. Web. 7 Sept. 2020.

https://counseling.northwestern.edu/blog/counseling-awareness-month-myths-and-facts-of-counseling/

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American Psychological Association. "Research Shows Psychotherapy is Effective but Underutilized.” APA.org, American Psychological Association, 2012. Web. 7 Sept. 2020.

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2012/08/psychotherapy-effective