RONALD LEE MD PSYCHIATRIST FOR ALL MA RESIDENTS
The cultural stigma surrounding therapy sessions often stems from misunderstandings and misconceptions about mental health. Nowadays, with mental health finally being addressed, the public's perception of therapy has come a long way.
Despite this, there are still misconceptions about how therapy works and if it is genuinely useful. Perpetuating these myths can hinder people from receiving life-changing treatment.
Don't get swayed! Here are the four most common misconceptions and myths about therapy you should not believe.
One common myth that the general public has about therapy is that it is exclusively meant to solve the problems of "crazy people." Psychiatric sessions are usually the last resort to self-crisis, family issues, and relationship problems.
The truth is, it can benefit people going through different struggles. More specifically, it can help one adopt healthy coping mechanisms for:
Additionally, a therapist can help you towards self-development and personal growth by:
Talk therapy is not a passive experience. It's not just the therapist alone or the client alone who does the talking. A primary care physician is trained to engage the patient in a collaborative approach based on the flow of discussion and the patient's active participation in joint problem-solving.
This setup allows for various formats and strategies with psychotherapists and patients working together to identify paralyzing concerns, develop goals, and track progress.
More importantly, there are various kinds of therapy available for each condition. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), for example, may be beneficial to someone who is struggling to cope with powerful emotions and an unstable sense of self.
On the other hand, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps a patient in modifying harmful, negative thoughts that worsen depression or anxiety.
Therapy being a quick fix is a myth. The first session is focused on getting both the therapist and client acquainted with each other. Building a rapport usually takes an hour long. An hour is not enough time to engage in a meaningful discussion, especially one that is about trauma or fear. This is why multiple sessions of therapy are usually required.
Psychotherapy requires multiple sessions held over a period of time. In general, a therapy course for mental health issues lasts three to four months.
In a therapeutic relationship, patients are active participants and therapists assist them in confronting and revealing their inner troubles. This process can be challenging and unpleasant at first. When feelings are provoked, it may lead to confrontation. However, breaking the barrier that protects your inner struggles is crucial to starting your healing process.
There's no need to worry because therapists are trained mental health professionals in clinical psychology. They are skilled in leading patients through emotional highs and lows.
There are many myths surrounding therapy that keep people from obtaining professional help, but the fact remains that it can be beneficial for anyone, especially those suffering from mental illness.
When you seek therapy, make sure to choose the right therapist. Not only will you be debunking the misbeliefs about therapy and the mental health field, but you will also be making a worthwhile investment in your mental health and overall well-being.
For a psychopharmacologist Boston patients can rely on, choose Luminous Vitality Behavioral Health. Our resident psychiatrist, Dr. Ronald Lee, is experienced in treating bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and insomnia through psychotherapy and medication.
