"Getting therapy means I'm a weak person!"
One of the biggest obstacles to people getting therapy during difficult times is this thought pattern. This idea, in addition to the strict distinction between strong and weak people; It contains unrealistic stereotypes about these two types of people and their characteristics: "A strong person is always strong, does not experience any problems, and if he does, he solves his problems alone, is always self-sufficient, is never unhappy..."
When we think about the whole of life, these judgments do not seem realistic, right?
In life, we often encounter new difficulties that we have to deal with. We may be able to cope with some of these challenges alone, but there may be times when getting support is inevitable for some. Stress, depression, anxiety, traumatic experiences, interpersonal problems, transition and adaptation processes and many other problems can challenge our coping capacity. Getting psychological support during such periods will help us regain our old strength. It will allow us to gain new and different perspectives, learn effective coping mechanisms, accept ourselves as we are and change in the direction we want in a therapy environment where we are accepted unconditionally.
However, we will show ourselves and our environment that we are not weak (!) enough to receive therapy. While trying to prove; Trying to overcome a problem alone that we can overcome more easily with support can wear us out more.
Misconceptions about therapy-2
''A I went to a psychologist several times, but it didn't help!''
First of all, going to a psychologist and receiving therapy are not the same thing. Psychotherapy is a process in which the therapist goes through various training processes and bases his sessions on theoretical foundations; It is a set of practices that aim to create permanent changes in the person and require the cooperation of the client and the therapist in the process.
When some people go to a psychologist, they may explain their problems and want to hear a solution suggestion immediately. Although this desire is understandable, it will quickly disappoint the person as it is not appropriate and functional. If the therapy process is to be started, the first few session can be achieved by the therapist trying to get to know the client and understand the problem. Therefore, expecting permanent changes after the first sessions will not be a realistic expectation.
I wish a world where all problems could be solved immediately was possible! However, therapy is a process, and this process - in order to be healthier - includes elements of patience, effort and time. Instead of focusing on how fast it will happen, it will be more useful to focus on how we can benefit from therapy for a happier life and in the direction we want.
Misconceptions about therapy-3
''Let me go to a psychologist so that he can give me advice!''
This is one of the unrealistic expectations people have from psychologists/therapists. It is unrealistic because the purpose of therapy is for the therapist to give you advice; It is not a direct guidance about your decisions, choices and life.
When this expectation is not met, it can cause feelings of disappointment and anger in clients. And it may even cause the client to stop continuing the therapy because they think it is not working. But it is useful to give the following information: No one's mind is superior to anyone else. From this perspective, it should not be possible for anyone to give advice to anyone, even if they are experts. Other than that, there is no one right way to go about life, relationships, choices, etc. From this point of view, it will be understood that it would not be appropriate to give advice and advice.
The client makes the decision about his own life and choices, and they can talk about and evaluate this decision with the therapist. Or they can evaluate the pros and cons of the decisions together before making a decision. These are different and healthier than giving advice.
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