Myths About Seeing a Psychologist

It can be a big step to see a psychologist.

In contemplating whether to see a psychologist, it can sometimes be difficult to know what to expect when you attend a counselling session, especially if you have never attended a session before.

For this reason, I thought it would be helpful to address some myths about seeing a psychologist. This will hopefully provide a better understanding of what to expect and alleviate any anxiety, confusion or misunderstanding about seeing a psychologist.

 

Myth 1

Seeing a psychologist is only for those who meet the criteria for a mental disorder.

Psychologists do work with individuals who meet the criteria for a mental disorder such as depression, anxiety or a personality disorder. However, psychologists also work with people who do not have a diagnosis of a mental disorder. Individuals may see a psychologist for the following reasons:

  • to adjust to a significant change in their life
  • to improve their communication skills
  • for relationship problems
  • for career guidance
  • to develop leadership skills
  • to improve their sports performance
  • to manage a difficult workplace relationship
  • to overcome a phobia
  • to improve family relationships
  • to understand themselves better

 

Myth 2

Talking to a family member or friend is the same as talking to a psychologist. 

Talking to a psychologist is different to a family member or friend because a psychologist is not involved in the personal life of a client. This means a psychologist can offer a perspective that is unbiased. Also, psychologists undergo extensive training to learn to listen in a way that is active, empathetic, non-judgemental and objective. This particular way of listening provides an environment for an individual to open up and explore their thoughts, feelings, ideas and experiences in a way they may feel reluctant to do with a family member or friend. Additionally, seeing a psychologist is a space that is reserved just for the client, where they are the sole focus. There is no need for the client to attend to another person’s needs.

 

Myth 3

For a psychologist to help me, they need to have experienced what I have.

Psychologists do not need to have experienced the same or similar problems to a client to be effective in working with them. Psychologists are not better equipped to assist a client if they have been through a similar life experience and psychologists are not less able to assist a client if they have not been through a similar life experience. Psychologists understand that each individual is different and their circumstances are unique. Therefore, even if a psychologist had been through a similar experience, it will be different to the client’s experience.

 

Myth 4

Seeing a psychologist involves lying on a couch and talking about your childhood.

Although this is often depicted on TV shows and movies, this is definitely not always the case. Lying on a couch was originally introduced by Sigmund Freud in the early 1900’s as a treatment method adopted in psychoanalytic therapy. It offers the benefit of free association of thought and the freedom from social constraints such as self-consciousness, which can occur in face-to-face interactions. Lying on a couch may be used in certain circumstances, however this decision will be made from a discussion between the psychologist and the client. The client will never be put in a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable or vulnerable.

Talking about your childhood can be part of the therapeutic process, however not always. There are some situations where talking about your childhood is not necessary or helpful.

 

Myth 5

Psychologists can read your mind.

Although that would be great if we could, this is simply not true. As psychologists, we develop a knowledge and understanding of human behaviour, however this does not include the ability to read people’s minds.

 

Myth 6

Speaking about my thoughts and feelings to a psychologist will only make things worse.

Talking about your thoughts and feelings to a psychologist may initially seem confronting or just plain pointless, however, research shows that sharing your thoughts and feelings with a psychologist is beneficial for a number of reasons. Some of these benefits include:

  • increased clarity
  • emotional relief
  • self-discovery
  • problem solving
  • seeing your situation from a different perspective
  • greater self-awareness
  • reduced confusion and anxiety
  • clear decision making

 

By addressing these myths, hopefully you have a better understanding of what to expect and what not to expect from seeing a psychologist.

If you have any questions or would like to book in a session please contact us at Leading Psychology.