What therapy is (and isn’t): a few myths gently untangled
You don’t have to be in crisis to start therapy.
That might be the biggest myth of all – the idea that therapy is a last resort, something you turn to only when everything else has failed. But therapy isn’t just for breakdowns. It’s for breakthroughs too.
In this short post, I want to gently untangle a few common misunderstandings about what therapy is (and isn’t). If you’re considering starting but feeling unsure, this might help make things clearer.
It’s not about “fixing” you
Therapy isn’t a repair shop. You’re not broken.
There may be parts of you that feel hurt, stuck, confused or overwhelmed – and therapy can absolutely help you make sense of those things. But the aim isn’t to get rid of bits of you or mould you into someone else. It’s about exploring who you are, how you’ve become that way, and what might be possible from here.
It’s not just talking – but the talking matters
You might be surprised by how powerful it is to have someone really listen. Not just nod-along listening – but active, curious, attuned listening.
That said, therapy isn’t only talking. Depending on the approach, we might also pay attention to things like bodily sensations, habits of relating, or how you feel in the space between us. In my work, I aim to meet you as a whole person – not just a voice in a chair.
It’s not advice-giving
This one often catches people off guard.
Friends, family, colleagues – they give advice all the time. Sometimes helpful, sometimes not. But therapy is different. My role isn’t to tell you what to do. It’s to walk alongside you as you figure out what you want and need. That’s often slower work, but much more long-lasting.
It's not always heavy
Yes, therapy can be deep. It can stir up sadness, anger, grief – all the stuff we often push away. But it can also be light, playful, surprising, even joyful.
Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come with laughter. And sometimes being able to say “I feel happy today” in a space that holds your full humanity can be as healing as anything else.
Therapy is…
Messy, honest, hopeful, hard – and real.
It’s a space where you don’t have to perform or pretend. A space where all parts of you – even the ones you usually hide – can show up and be met with curiosity and care.
If that sounds like something you’re drawn to, I’d be happy to meet you – and to truly listen to you. I offer a free 20-minute chat to see if we are a good fit for each other – you can contact me here.