Common Myths about Psychotherapy

Only individuals with mental illness seek out psychotherapy.

Au contraire, therapy is not only utilized to support individuals with a diagnosable mental health condition. Therapy is especially useful in preventing mental illness and enhancing emotional wellness.

Think about it, you go to the gym to increase endurance, build muscle mass, or lose weight, which ultimately results in optimal physical health. The same can be said for meeting with a skilled mental health professional. Therapy can be considered as a work-out for the mind. Therapy can be utilized to work through job related problems, marital- relationship issues, self-esteem concerns, grief & loss, financial problems, medical illness, and life transitions.
 

Therapy is too expensive.

Therapy is affordable. If you have medical insurance, you may have access to qualified mental health clinicians. For some, a small co-payment may be required for each visit. Others may have access to mental health services through their Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP offers support to employees who are not only experiencing work related concerns, but also assistance to individuals going through life transitions. EAP services are typically free. Another option is to utilize your flexible spending or wage work benefits for reimbursement. Lastly, various companies such as, Talkspace and Open Path Collective provide access to a list of Therapists, who have agreed to meet with individuals at discounted rates, usually $30-$50 per session. In addition to Talkspace and Open Path Collective, many Therapist offer sliding scale rates.
 

Therapy will resolve all my issues.

Therapist are not magicians and we certainly do not have all the answers. Therapy is a process, that takes work on your part. The role of the therapist is to provide support, psychoeducation-information related to your specific concerns, collaborate on what has worked in the past, highlight strengths, to develop an action (or what we prefer to as treatment plan) plan.
 

I don’t have the time to meet with a therapist.

We make time for what we feel is important. I encourage you to make time for your mental wellbeing. Therapy is usually conducted in 50-60 minute increments, once a week or bi-monthly. Dependent upon your concern, a treatment plan can be established and sessions can be completed within 10 weeks or less. Again, a treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs or concerns. Investing in your mental health provides for a healthy overall physical-mental-emotional balance.

Angela Body, MSW, LCSW
The Hope & Wellness Partnership
424-226-8052
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