Dr Maya Elyashkevich presents on the most common myths and facts about therapy. Visit her website at http://www.drmayatherapy.com

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Myths and Facts about Therapy

2. Myth 1: Therapy is for people with
“serious” issues
Some people believe that you must be
diagnosed with a psychological disorder or be profoundly
struggling in order to seek therapy
Fact:
 People go to therapy to feel
better, improve relationships, reduce
stress, get help with grief, and to learn
how to live life to the fullest.
 There’s no shame in wanting a better life

3. Myth 2: Therapy is like talking to a friend
Fact:
 Friends can provide support, but they can also
gossip.
 Therapists are bound by law to keep confidentiality.
 No need to censer self in therapy
 Therapy is focused only on you
 Therapy helps you to find your own solutions to the
problems.
 Therapists have extensive education in mental health

4. Myth 3: You have to lie on the couch and talk
Fact:
 Most therapists seat face to face with clients
 Therapists are interactive and provide helpful
feedback to clients

5. Myth 4: Therapy is common sense.
 Common sense is wisdom that applies to everyone,
but therapy gives insight, which is wisdom unique to
you.
 Therapy will give you a place to focus only on you
with the support of a trained expert who works to
understand and guide you to reach your goals.

6. Myth 5: People who go to therapy are weak
or crazy.
Fact:
 Seeking help for your problems means you’re
taking action.
 Asking for help often requires more strength than
passively staying stuck
 Most people who go to therapists are ordinary
everyday people

7. Myth 6: Therapy is too Expensive
Fact:
 Therapy is covered by insurance
 There is a wide range of fees
 It’s a worthy investment
 KourtneyKardashian: “Therapy is more important than
buying clothes or a handbag or shoes. It's your life."

8. Myth 7: Therapy entails blaming your
parents
Fact:
 Therapy brings understanding of how
past influences you now
 Therapy helps you take responsibility
and be in charge of your life

9. Myth 8: Therapists typically agree with
their clients, since their job is to make them
feel better.
 Fact:
 Therapist will empathize with your emotional
response to a situation
 Therapist will encourage clients to challenge their
thinking, their belief systems, or look at things from
other perspectives.

10. 8 Celebs Who've Opened Up About
Therapy
 http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/8-celebs-
whove-opened-therapy-180100058.html

11. Maya Elyashkevich, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist PSY17165
Specializing in
anxiety, depression and trauma
Certified EMDR Specialist
Russian speaking therapist
15720 Ventura Blvd. # 212
Encino, CA 91436
Phone #: 818-809-9519
Fax#: 818-990-0336
www.drmayatherapy.com