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Therapy Isn’t Weird

Busting the Myths

By Rachel Thorne 2025-04-11

Therapy still gets a bad rap sometimes—some people see it as “weird” or something to be embarrassed about. But here’s the truth: mental health is just as important as physical health. If you’d get help for a broken bone or high blood pressure, it makes just as much sense to seek support when you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or down. Today, we are going to debunk some of the common myths surrounding counseling or therapy.

10 Common Myths Debunked:

1. Counselling is only for big issues or for ‘crazy’ people

Of course, counseling can help us get through major life issues or traumas; however, it can also support us through other experiences. Often, it is nice to have someone to speak to who is unbiased. Counselling or therapy does not need to be used only for when life is tough, it can also be preventive; for instance, we can learn tools to help us for the future.

2. Admitting that you need help means you are weak

This is a pretty popular one. People often see vulnerability as a weakness when in reality, it is a strength. Think of it this way: it is an act of strength to better yourself when you know you aren’t at your full potential and counselling can certainly help you better yourself.

3. Counselling won’t help or it will make the situation worse

It is true that the results of therapy are different for everyone. However, counselling gives you the ability to gain new perspectives, a way to tackle your issues, and it gives you a unique support system.

4. The counsellor doesn’t know me, so they won’t be able to help me

It’s true, your counsellor doesn’t know you as well as your friends and family do; however, this provides much needed objectivity for the counsellor. Of course, still seek support from your family and friends, but they do not have the same objectivity and skills the counsellor would have.

5. Counselling takes a long time and costs a lot of money

The amount of time counselling takes may depend on you, your problem, how long you’ve been dealing with the issue, and the time you need to make any necessary changes. These necessary changes may include habits, coping mechanisms, etc. Here at Atlantic Wellness, Counselling doesn’t cost anything for ages 12-21.

6. They will blame your parents for everything

Sometimes, analyzing your past can be helpful in some situations. For instance, they may look at your environment and how the people in your life have shaped you. However, it is important to remember that counselling is never about assigning blame onto someone. Instead, it is about learning how to have a healthy outlook on life and have healthy relationships with others and yourself.

7. All counsellors are the same. If one doesn’t work, the others won’t either

This is another very common misconception, but it is simply not true! Remember that you don’t click with every single person you meet, the same goes for counsellors. It’s completely okay to change counsellors if you feel as though you aren’t clicking with one (Hunt, 2023).

8. Counsellors can’t do anything. They just sit there, nod, and take notes

Counsellors do so much more than this. In fact, the role of the counsellor is to be engaged, listen, and to provide interventions to help you move towards your goals.

9. The counsellor will tell me my problems and how to fix them

The purpose of counselling is not to tell you what to do. Unfortunately, there is no one solution. However, the counselling can help you gain insight and understanding of both yourself and the situation. This means that you can make the best decision on what’s best for you (Common myths about counselling).

10. You’ll immediately feel better after your counselling session

Sometimes talking about difficult situations and subjects can make us feel upset, tired, and uncomfortable. Therefore, you may not walk out of therapy feeling 100%. This is completely okay and normal. Remember, the process takes time and may be difficult at times. This is not to scare you, but to prepare you (Sussex Publishers)!

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