10 Mental Health Myths Debunked
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month I thought it would be fitting to ask our therapists here at MGCC what mental health myths they hear the most often. Here’s what they said and the truth behind the myth:
1. Myth: I can just talk to a friend, it’s the same as counseling.
Truth: While having trusted friends to confide in is awesome, it’s not the same as counseling. Counselors are uniquely qualified to help you recognize your patterns, understand yourself better, and learn coping skills. We have all completed years of graduate education and thousands of hours of training. Unlike a friend, your counselor is unbiased and outside of your social circle. This allows for counselors to be objective and challenge you in ways that your friend may not. Lastly, your therapist is legally bound to keep everything you say confidential. While I’m sure your friends are trustworthy, counseling offers you the unique opportunity to be completely honest and vulnerable without fear.
2. Myth: Needing counseling means you have weak faith and your prayer life must be lacking.
Truth: Unfortunately, this is a common and harmful misconception, often leading to feelings of shame. The truth is that faith and counseling work beautifully together. In fact God calls us to seek wise counsel in Proverbs 11:14 – “where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Furthermore, like we discussed in last March’s blog post, we’re not called to carry our burdens alone (Matthew 11:28). If you got the flu and went to the doctor, you most likely wouldn’t worry that your faith is lacking or that you were weak for seeking medical assistance. The same is true of your mental health.
3. Myth: Christian counselors are judgmental.
Truth: Christian counselors are not there to judge you. They are there to create a safe, compassionate space where you can be honest, heal, and grow. Fear of judgement is common as you enter into counseling, but know that your counselor has a strong foundation of empathy and understanding that helps them understand where you're coming from. Here at MGCC, we know that we are in no place to judge, only to help.. and we take that role very seriously!
4. Myth: Christian counseling ignores science.
Truth: Christian counselors do not ignore science, they embrace it! They utilize research-backed therapeutic modalities into our practice as well as faith-informed care. At Morning Glory Christian Counseling we are especially committed to learning and growing both in science and faith. Every month our team reads a book pertaining to mental health together and discusses it. Everyone on our team completes many hours of continuing education to stay up to date on the latest research and science in the mental health space. We believe that science and faith are not mutually exclusive, in fact they integrate together in a beautiful way.
5. Myth: Mental health care is only for adults.
Truth: Mental health care is for people of all ages. Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. children ages 3 to 17 has been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition. Early intervention can help set children and teens up for success and equip them with the tools to manage their mental health throughout their lives.
6. Myth: Counseling/therapy is for the weak, those with diagnosable mental health disorders, or people in crisis.
Truth: Counseling is not just for people in crisis, it can also be a strengths-based approach and preventative measure. Therapy can help with confidence, life transitions, or relationship difficulties to name a few, not just diagnosable mental health disorders. Seeking counseling is a sign of strength and courage, not weakness.
7. Myth: Counseling is just paying for advice and someone to listen.
Truth: Counseling is so much more than just having someone listen to you. Your counselor has completed years of education and training in order to provide you with evidence-based healthcare. A counselor does more than offer sympathy; they help identify patterns and teach strategies for change.
8. Myth: I am not emotional, therefore counseling isn't for me.
Truth: Counseling can help even if you don’t identify as “emotional,” because many approaches focus on thoughts, patterns, stress, relationships, and coping skills, not just feelings. You might even find that counseling helps you become more comfortable feeling your emotions!
9. Myth: If my child is in therapy it means I have failed them as a parent
Truth: If your child is in therapy, it doesn't mean you failed them. It means you noticed they needed extra support and were proactive in getting them help. Seeking help for your child is a sign of your love, support, and responsibility. Therapy is a resource, not a report card on your parenting.
10. Myth: Play therapy isn't therapy; it's just playing with toys and playing games
Truth: Play therapy is a structured, developmentally appropriate form of therapy that uses play to help children express feelings, process experiences, build coping skills, and work toward therapeutic goals. Oftentimes, children can more easily communicate through play. The therapist can observe themes and interactions to help support your child.
I get it, counseling is scary. There are so many misconceptions about it, and reaching out for help is very overwhelming. Hopefully this post made counseling a little less scary for you. Are there any other misconceptions you're not sure about? Reach out to us! We’d love to hear from you and give you the truth about counseling and mental health.
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Cory Fuemmeler, LPC
