Mental health and well-being are a more visible topic these days. Part of mental health care can include meeting with a therapist and receiving support for your body, mind, and spirit/soul. While there is a lot more attention on mental health and counseling, there is still stigma and confusion that can come with the decision to go to therapy. Have you considered counseling in St. Petersburg? Do you feel like there is a barrier or something holding you back? Sometimes myths about counseling can cause confusion and frustration. Let’s look at a few of the common counseling myths!
Counseling Myth: Something is wrong with me if I go to therapy.
Sometimes life throws unexpected and difficult circumstances your way and it is helpful to get additional support. Other times you might be facing a transition or some questions that you want to work through. There are also mental health challenges that require support and intervention to help find stability and growth. It may be a season where you choose to use the space as dedicated time to self-reflect and work toward personal goals. Seeking out or needing counseling does not mean you are “broken.” It often means you are desiring a change, but unsure of how to get there. Maybe something feels stuck or overwhelming. Therapy can help you find forward movement again. The therapists at ME-Therapy are passionate about helping you uncover your most authentic self with counseling in St. Petersburg.
Counseling Myth: Therapists only ask, “How does that make you feel?” over and over again.
In therapy, you are probably going to talk about feelings/emotions. The question “how does that make you feel?” can be a helpful reflection tool, but it is certainly not the only one. Your therapist will likely ask a wide range of questions. These questions help your therapist gain understanding about you and your unique context. The questions can help bring you renewed reflection and insight too. You bring all of your experiences and contexts with you, which contributes to the thoughts and feelings you have. Therapy can provide an opportunity to examine what may be holding you back. It can be a chance to explore and find skills to navigate a spectrum of emotions and circumstances.
Counseling Myth: My therapist will be able to fix the problem.
It is a very natural and normal thing to desire a tangible solution when facing difficult circumstances or feelings. Navigating challenges and exploring behavior, patterns, and your overall sense of self can leave you feeling lost in the woods. That can be uncomfortable, exhausting, and scary. I think about it like this, if you are feeling lost in the woods it is understandable that you desire a map. A map would help you locate where you are and then give clear directions and paths of how to get out. Many times, people go to therapy expecting to receive the map.
However, therapy is more about discovering that you have a compass and are receiving support in orienting yourself.
Which direction are you currently facing/moving towards? Do you want to continue that way or pause and navigate in a new direction? Your therapist, in this analogy, has a flashlight and can help look at the different directions with you. They can also introduce new tools that may help during the process of moving in a new direction. However, you are the expert of you, which is why a therapist really can’t know what is best for you and your life. But, a therapist can help you explore options, choices, and your next right step.
It is also important to note here that therapy is a small piece of time settled within complex and busy days/weeks/months. As you find support and insight within the therapeutic space, the difficult work of change, growth, and living authentically happens outside of the therapy room. It takes practice, energy, and determination to keep using that compass as you navigate the many spaces and decisions outside of therapy. Your therapist is here to support that journey and cheer you on as you work towards your goals.
Counseling Myth: Therapy is the same everywhere, and all therapists work the same way.
Therapists are people too! People come from a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and passions. Therapists are no exception. There are a variety of training programs, specialties, and approaches to therapy. Think about the options available when you want to exercise. Some people thrive at CrossFit, while that is not the right space for others. Many people find that Zumba is the best fit when they want to move their bodies! Others live and breathe by their yoga studio, yet others prefer at-home gyms. Some people climb mountains and run marathons. The point being, if you are someone who connects strongly with Zumba, participating in a CrossFit gym might not align with or help you reach your goals. That is the same with therapy. This means tuning in and noticing if you and your therapist are a good fit. Paying attention to what you find helpful and what maybe isn’t helping your growth.
There are a variety of approaches to therapy – some depend on the specific thing(s) you are seeking support in, such as strengthening skills to manage a diagnosis like OCD.
Or, some therapists emphasize forward momentum and focusing on reaching goals, while others find the benefit of focusing and unpacking the past. It is less about which one is “correct” and more about which one is the right fit for you. And that may mean trying out different things, and even needing to switch therapists! This is normal and encouraged. It’s okay if a certain therapy doesn’t feel helpful to you!
Communicate and collaborate with your therapist to determine the next steps.
And, also, sometimes the growth process is uncomfortable which means you may feel like you are doing some heavy-lifting — because you are! Your therapist is there to encourage, support, and challenge you throughout the journey.
Beginning therapy can feel intimidating, but hopefully examining some of these myths help bring more ease to the process. Reaching out for support while you seek healing, better communication with a partner, or finding ways to thrive is a big step. The therapists at ME-Therapy would love to partner with you on your counseling in St. Petersburg journey.
Ready to Start individual therapy in St. Petersburg FL?
Beginning the journey back to your self is easier than most of the things we’re all doing right now! Counseling does not have to wait. You can get the mental health support you need with a skilled therapist in St. Pete or with online therapy in Florida. To begin, just follow these simple steps:
- Contact us to request an appointment
- Meet with one of our experienced therapists.
- Get support & begin your journey toward mental wellness & connection today!
Other Mental Health and Wellness Services at ME-Therapy
Therapy can take many forms. At our St. Petersburg therapy & wellness clinic, we want to will help your mind but also want to feed your soul. This means our therapists and wellness team take a holistic approach to your wellbeing. In order to do this, our therapists offer individual therapy for women, therapy for men, trauma therapy, and holistic, spiritual therapy. In addition to standard marriage counseling & couples therapy, our relationship therapists also provide sex therapy, affair recovery counseling and poly-friendly kink aware therapy.
All of these services can be provided in-person at our St. Petersburg, FL counseling clinic or anywhere in the state with online therapy in Florida. If you have any questions about therapy, please visit our FAQ page! Also, you may consider reading more of our blog posts to get to know us a bit better. Finally, thank you for allowing ME-Therapy to be a part of your life journey!
