Common Misunderstandings about Therapy
Common Myths about Counseling
“Counseling is a sign of weakness.”
If actually facing emotions that cause you pain (as opposed to running from them) is weakness, then yes. Dealing with problems and emotions head-on is difficult and challenging and is not for the faint of heart. So actually, we would say the weak need not apply. It takes a lot of strength to admit you need help and to seek it out.
“Counseling is only for crazy people.”
Change this to “counseling is only for everyone” and we wholeheartedly agree. Everyone has issues coping with life. Human beings are emotional, irrational creatures that need help dealing with this fragile, chaotic life here on earth.
“Counseling is only for women, or men who are in touch with their feelings.”
Being a woman or a person who’s in touch with their feelings certainly helps. But if anyone needs counseling it’s the men who don’t know how to deal with their feelings. On a daily basis, we help men understand their emotions and have better relationships with their families and friends. Two things are true about the men who received therapy at Stenzel Clinical. 1) They didn’t want to come at first, and 2) They didn’t want to stop coming back after their first session.
“Counselors have all the answers.”
Oh, how we wish this were true! We’re human and we have obstacles just like everyone else. This is why we are so empathetic; Stenzel clinicians have been through their own challenges and growth opportunities in their lives, so pain, sorrow, addiction, mental illness, grief, anxiety and depression are not merely clinical terms. We have walked through these things and found healing for ourselves. This is what makes us good counselors, and alongside our degrees, allows us to be compassionate as we work together with you.
“Counseling is just advice-giving.”
Nope. Your friends give you advice, even if you don’t ask for it. We are here to help you learn to solve your problems yourself. We are your coaches, guiding and encouraging you down the healing road. We are here to understand what you have been through and to help you get where you want to be.
“Counseling is a last resort.”
Absolutely not. Let’s say you got a deep cut on your head that required stitches. Would you wrap your head and only go to urgent care once it got infected? No, you’d get it taken care of. The same is true of counseling. The sooner, the better. Why do more damage to a relationship? Come in as soon as possible. It will make all the difference.
“Counseling is not confidential.”
This is a great fear for many people. However, our records are sealed. The only exceptions to confidentiality are if there is danger of harm (if you say that you plan to hurt yourself, someone else or someone is hurting you). The only other exception to confidentiality is insurance. We provide your insurance company with only the amount of information needed. If you are concerned about your privacy with your insurance company, we can simply bill you. Though this option is more expensive, it guarantees maximum confidentiality.