Therapy Myths Dispelled 

We have compiled a list of the most common myths around counselling and the services Kalmer Counselling offers. 

You have to lie down on a couch for therapy.

We perform our sessions in a variety of settings, both in person or online. Therapy is not like TV shows, where people lie on a bed or a sofa while the therapist sits alongside taking notes. Typically we have comfortable seats in our therapy rooms, however, if you wish to stand or walk as part of your session then that's okay. Doing whatever makes you feel most comfortable will ensure you get the most out of your session.

You have to wait until you hit rock bottom before accessing therapy.

No, early intervention is often better as it allows you to open up now explore your issue, without being overwhelmed. You will often have more clarity of thought and progress at a faster pace. Many people think they are not bad enough for therapy however, tackling issues earlier can reduce the longer term impact. You don’t need to suffer in silence before you seek help.

It’s embarrassing or a sign of weakness to need therapy.

Quite the opposite is actually true, it shows real strength to reach out for help to prioritise yourself and your needs. By accepting help you can address the issues, find coping strategies and enjoy your life.

I don’t have time for therapy.

It is all about priorities and your time and where you put yourself in your priority list. Your counselling can fit around your schedule and can even be conducted over Zoom. The objective is to prioritise yourself and show that you are important there are 1,440 minutes in every day, make sure you protect some of those minutes for yourself.

Therapy is expensive.

Money is relative. A therapy session is equivalent to a takeaway, a night out, a computer game, however, the value of therapy far exceeds any comparable purchase. You are in investing in yourself and a happier healthier future.

Therapy is just a chat.

There is a lot of talking involved in therapy however it is much more than a chat, it is an exploration of your feelings and a safe space to discuss issues.

The Counsellor will judge or blame me.

The therapy room is a safe space where there is no judgement. Your counsellor is there to listen and explore your issues and applying appropriate theories and psychotherapeutic techniques and coping strategies in order to make positive changes.

Therapist can make a diagnosis.

This is not the case, therapists assess your issues to identify the appropriate therapeutic approach. More complex issues would be referred to a mental health service for diagnosis.

You have to have lots of sessions for it to be effective.

Every person is different however it is not the case people need a lot of sessions in order for therapy to be effective. In fact, often shorter bursts of therapy can be extremely effective.

I am to set in my ways for therapy to work/ It won't work for me.

Neuroscientists have proven that our brain is malleable and therefore no one is ever set in their ways.

I don’t know what to say in therapy.

You don’t have to have it planned out ahead of your therapy session, your therapist will guide you through the process asking questions and exploring issues.

My therapist won’t understand my issues.

A therapist has a huge repertoire of expertise, your referral will be assessed for therapist suitability ahead of your sessions commencing.