Thinking About Starting Therapy? Top 5 Myths That May Be Holding You Back

Is Therapy Really for Me? Let’s Clear Some Things Up.

"Have you repeatedly googled, “Therapists near me?”, “What is therapy?”, or “Top Therapists in Richmond, VA,” but you still have not made the call or scheduled the appointment yet?" The doubts and second-guessing creep in, leading to putting it off… again. Let's clear the air-- and talk about the myths about therapy, keeping you and many others from experiencing the healing, support and growth that occurs in therapy.

Considering Therapy?

🤔1. “I should be able to handle this on my own.”

Many people feel like asking for help means they have failed. Therapy does not require that you be in a crisis. In truth, therapy is a powerful gift to oneself, an intentional act towards self-awareness and personal growth.

✨Clients often find that once they stop white-knuckling their way through life and begin speaking honestly in therapy, they feel less stressed, communicate more clearly, and start making choices that align with their actual needs and values—not just obligations.

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🗣️ 2. “Talking won’t change anything.”

Talking alone may not solve every problem—but therapy isn’t just talk. It’s a space to untangle thoughts, challenge patterns, and process emotions in a way that leads to real change.

✨ With the right support, many people find they less sadness, stop spiraling with worry, feel more emotionally steady, and start making clearer, more intentional choices in their daily lives.

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⏳ 3. “Once I start therapy, I’ll be in it forever.”

Therapy doesn’t have to be a lifelong commitment. It can be short-term or long-term, depending on what you want and need.

✨ Some people come for a few months to work through a specific challenge, like imposter syndrome. Others choose to stay longer for deeper self-understanding or continued support through life transitions.

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🚨 4. “If I go to therapy, something must be really wrong with me.”

Therapy isn’t a last resort. It’s a proactive, healthy choice—just like going to the gym or eating well. You don’t need a crisis to care for your mental and emotional health.

✨ Many people use therapy to build confidence, manage burnout, navigate relationships, or reconnect with their values. Wanting things to feel better is reason enough.

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🗣️ 5. "Therapy means talking about childhood and crying every week.”

Therapy is often misunderstood as talking about childhood and crying every week. In reality, it often focuses on the present—helping people gain control over their emotions, improve focus, and break unhealthy relationship patterns.

✨ Clients arrive feeling tense and worried, but after a few months, many find themselves more grounded at work, advocating for themselves, and pursuing new life goals they once thought were out of reach.

When you are ready to move forward with therapy, feel free to book a complimentary 15-minute consultation with our therapist. Let's chat and find out how we can help you feel better and live the life you deserve. Therapy is available nationally, including in Richmond, Henrico, Arlington, and Roanoke, Virginia. We are a self-pay practice, ask us about HSA, FSA and Out of network reimbursement options.

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