Exploring therapy

It’s been a busy start to the year with therapy appointments. This is a well documented trend with several reasons - the start of a new year, tensions experienced over holidays, Seasonal Affective Disorder… along with more time to reflect and a desire for things to be different amidst work and life pressures. I’m a huge fan of talking therapies and my own experiences ultimately led me to train as a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor. There are many preconceptions about therapy both positive and negative.

Lets explore a few of them here…

"Therapy is only for people with serious mental illnesses." - Many believe therapy is only for crises or disorders, but it can help with everyday stress, personal growth, and self-improvement.

"Going to therapy means you’re weak." - Seeking help actually requires strength and self-awareness, but stigma still makes some people hesitant.

"Therapists just listen and don’t actually help." - While listening is part of therapy, therapists provide tools, techniques, and guidance tailored to each person’s needs as well as education about mental health often leading understanding your mind and experiences in a whole new way!

"Therapy takes forever." - Some believe they’ll be in therapy for years, but many benefit from short-term therapy (weeks or months) for specific issues.

"Therapists will judge me." - A good therapist is trained to be nonjudgmental and supportive, helping clients explore their concerns safely.

"Talking about problems makes them worse."- While it can feel uncomfortable at first, addressing emotions leads to healing rather than bottling them up.

"Therapy will give me instant solutions." - Therapy is a process, and while it provides tools and insights, progress takes time and effort.

"A therapist will tell me what to do." - Therapists guide clients but don’t give direct answers or make decisions for them—they help clients find their own solutions.

"One session will fix everything." - While even one session can provide clarity, deeper change usually requires ongoing work.

"All therapists are the same."Therapists have different approaches, specialisations, and personalities - finding the right fit is important.

If you’d like to explore how therapy could support you, please reach out to Suzi at hello@aweeretreat.scot for a free discovery call.