Talk About It Tuesday

Breaking Down the Stigma of Therapy

Many individuals grapple with concerns about the stigma around therapy, such as judgment, misunderstanding, or the false belief that therapy is only for those with severe mental health challenges. Or, in other words, therapy is great for someone who's not me.

The Belief That Therapy Indicates Weakness

A prevailing therapy stigma is that those who seek therapy show weakness or inability to manage their lives. This is particularly prevalent in cultures or environments where resilience and independence are highly valued. The irony is that seeking therapy often requires considerable strength and courage. It involves recognizing a need, confronting personal challenges, and proactively seeking change.

To combat this stigma, we can begin by redefining strength. True strength lies not in denying our vulnerabilities, but in acknowledging them and seeking support when needed. Just as we’d visit a doctor for physical ailments, turning to a mental health therapist for mental and emotional guidance should be seen as a sign of self-awareness and resilience.

The Assumption That Therapy Is Only Reactive, Not Proactive

There’s a widespread belief that therapy is solely a reaction to crises or severe mental health issues. This perspective overlooks the proactive benefits of therapy, such as enhancing self-awareness, improving relationships, or developing personal growth strategies. Emphasizing therapy’s preventative and enriching aspects can shift the narrative from being purely problem-focused to one of overall well-being enhancement.

The “One-Size-Fits-All” Misconception

There’s a pervasive belief that therapy is a singular, uniform experience, causing some to shy away because they think it won’t cater to their unique needs or cultural background. In reality, the world of therapy is as diverse as the individuals seeking it. There are various therapeutic modalities, techniques, and specializations, from psychodynamic psychotherapy (https://capitaltherapyproject.com/), cognitive-behavioral therapy (https://therapygroupdc.com/cbt-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-therapists-dc/) to art therapy and more.

Many therapists specialize in culturally sensitive approaches, ensuring individuals from all backgrounds feel understood and respected. Disseminating information about the vast range of therapeutic options can help break down this generalized view.

Finding The Right Fit

Gaining access to a mental health professional is easier than you think, however; finding the right therapist, who you can develop a good rapport with, can be a bit like trying on different shoes. They may look one way on the shelf in the store, then you put them on. Maybe they fit perfectly the first time. Maybe not, so you try on another pair.  Sometimes, you have to try on multiple pairs before finding the right fit.  Just because the first one didn’t fit, doesn’t mean the next one won’t.  In fact, having to talk to multiple therapists before finding the right one can teach you tolerance for yourself and others. Building tolerance for the complete stranger you are telling your story to as they work to hold a safe space for you to tell your story, but most importantly, for your self to have to explain your story; your ‘why’ of seeking out therapy.  This experience allows you to practice and perfect how you want to tell it when you do find the right therapist.  Once you find the right therapist and a good rapport is established, telling your story will feel like talking to a best friend that will hold all of your secrets without judgement. Talking to that therapist becomes second nature and you may also find it easier to implement the techniques and skills your therapist asks you to try.  The goal of developing a good rapport is to improve your chances for a successful outcome, along with developing mutual trust and respect, to foster an environment in which you, the client, feel safe.  Therapeutic rapport can help you feel:

    •    Better able to disclose painful memories or information

    •    More comfortable discussing your emotions and experiences

    •    Able to work through difficult issues and gain insight

    •    Feeling safe and supported as you work through this process

Research has found that a good therapeutic relationship has a significant impact on the outcome of therapy. Two aspects of therapeutic rapport that appear to be particularly important are mutuality and collaboration.         

    •    In one analysis of past research, therapeutic relationships that were based on mutuality—or treating therapy as a two-way relationship—helped improve client insights and mental functioning.

    •    Another study found that collaborative therapeutic relationships—which involve agreeing to work together to achieve the client's goals—were linked to better therapy outcomes.

So keep trying on those shoes until you find the right pair!

Resources

Brad Brenner, Ph. D. (2023, October 11). What is the stigma associated with therapy?. Therapy Group of DC. https://therapygroupdc.com/therapist-dc-blog/what-is-the-stigma-associated-with-therapy

Fritscher, L. (n.d.). Successful mental health treatment depends on good therapeutic rapport. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/therapeutic-rapport-2671659#:~:text=The%20goal%20of%20developing%20a,disclose%20painful%20memories%20or%20information