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Writer's pictureJuliana Eljach

Myths of Going to the Psychologist

Updated: Nov 27, 2023

Currently, many people who face different obstacles in their daily life, decide to seek a psychologist to overcome these problems and grow personally (Ortiz, 2019). However, according to Lozano (2018), there are still many individuals who continue to have wrong ideas about "what is psychology?", "what does the psychologist do?" and "what is psychotherapy?".

Thus, many people who could benefit from psychologists, do not do so (Lozano, 2018; Acuña, 2017), even, if they feel obvious emotional discomfort due to personal problems (Ortiz, 2019). In correspondence with Lozano (2018), this, linked with the bad behavior, meddling and images given to psychologists and psychotherapy, one already has all the elements to have a completely wrong understanding about psychology, psychotherapy and the image of psychologists.

Therefore, this entry aims to clarify the main myths of psychology and, at the same time, to provide evidence about them, as well as about the work and value of psychologists, in order to provide a more realistic and positive view, thus reducing the misunderstandings in psychology and the fear people have towards psychotherapy.



"The Psychologist is for Crazy People"

This is one of the main erroneous beliefs that are maintained around the image of psychologists and psychotherapy (Ortiz, 2019). However, no one believes that by going to the doctor one has a serious illness (Lozano, 2018). This is because one can go to a doctor's office for allergies, for some pain or to have some tests done. In the case of dentists, even if you do not have a toothache, you attend only for fillings or teeth cleaning. In accordance with Lozano (2018), in the case of gynecologists, even if the person does not have uterine cancer, she only goes to choose the most appropriate contraceptive.

In other words, participating in these consultations is to prevent diseases and monitor physical health (Lozano, 2018). However, mental health is not taken into account. When people feel anxious, depressed or distressed, why do they not go to a psychologist? According to Lozano (2018), a person's emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and attitude towards life are things that individuals do not pay much attention to, since, they are not as cautious with mental health as they are with physical health.

On the other hand, most people think that psychologists are only in charge of intervening serious mental problems, however, this is far from reality (Ortiz, 2019; Belda, 2017). Although, in correspondence with Acuña (2017), in the face of certain psychological disorders or in the resolution of certain crises, psychotherapy is indeed necessary, the purpose of treatment is not to give a specific cure for something.

The reasons for consulting a psychology professional can be many, as well as the levels of severity (Ortiz, 2019). Thus, people may need psychotherapy for problems in a relationship, at work, in the family or with friends, as well as for symptoms of anxiety, demotivation, depression, among others. Similarly, the person may need to attend therapy because he/she is going through a bad time or simply to improve well-being, change habits and attitudes and promote personal growth.

In short, starting a psychological treatment means that the person is interested in progressing, and is looking for tools, self-knowledge or opportunities, which will be of great help for him/her to improve when there is a problem or a special situation (Acuña, 2017; Regader, 2019). In fact, in correspondence with Lozano (2018), mental health is fundamental to have a certain sense of happiness and quality of life.



"Going to the Psychologist is for the Weak, I Can Do It Alone"

Following the previous point, it can be considered not weak to go to the dentist to fill teeth (Lozano, 2018). Nor is it considered weak to go to a lawyer for legal advice or to go to a manager to solve financial problems. Instead, the person is considered responsible and intelligent. According to Lozano (2018), seeking help from a professional in psychology to prevent, fully confront and solve various problems that may arise in life is also.

In fact, the person who decides to start the treatment process does not have to face specific things at that time (Acuña, 2017). It is clear that much of the first consultation is motivated by certain situations that the person may be experiencing, however, the implications of beginning treatment go beyond simply resolving the problem or situation encountered at that moment. In correspondence with Acuña (2017), attending psychotherapy is a process of self-knowledge, of taking responsibility, and therefore, it requires a lot of strength and responsibility.

Therefore, the ultimate goal of treatment is not to solve the problem, nor to avoid feeling sadness, pain or negative emotions (Acuña, 2017). Its purpose is especially to provide the person with tools that help him or her to recognize his or her strengths and learn to develop his or her potential. According to Acuña (2017), the initiation of treatment demonstrates that the person is interested in a deeper understanding of him/herself, which requires great courage.



"I Already Have my Friends and Family to Chat and Vent to"

Undoubtedly, the support of friends and family is critical to emotional well-being (Rodriguez, 2019). In fact, talking with a friend or family member sometimes helps people to unburden themselves and reduce the discomfort they feel during certain difficult moments (Rodriguez, 2019). However, in many cases it is not enough to talk about problems, even if they are restorative through relief and emotional venting (Lozano, 2018; Ortiz, 2019). Corresponding with Lozano (2018), sometimes people realize that no matter who you talk to, the problem cannot be solved.

In the same vein, the advice given by loved ones, which is usually well-intentioned, may not be the most appropriate for the situation, and may even add to the discomfort (Ortiz, 2019). Conversely, according to Ortiz (2019), a psychologist is a trained professional with experience in the study of behavior, who can comprehensively assess what factors may be favoring the problem and its perpetuation, and what intervention strategies are most appropriate for the person.



"The Psychologist Seeks Solution to my Problems"

It is generally believed that going to therapy is going to talk to the therapist for about an hour, and at the last minute, the patient will leave with some suggestions by the psychologist (Acuña, 2017). However, the treatment process is not like that (Acuña, 2017). Rather, it is about helping people find the right strategies to solve problems or achieve personal goals (Lozano, 2018). Moreover, the person is not limited to talking, but can also actively participate in the process, can listen and perform tasks to achieve the purpose of the treatment (Regader, 2019). In short, in correspondence with Ranz (2017), the psychologist serves as a guide from which the person himself finds the resources to help him cope with his difficulties.



"Just going to Psychotherapy is Enough to Get Better"

This is partly true, since, the person feels listened to in the session and talking about what is bothering him or her has a "venting" function (Ranz, 2017). However, psychology is not magic and psychologists are not magicians either. Psychotherapy is a process that requires the active participation of both the psychologist and the patient himself, who must be willing to evaluate his behavior more objectively and be open to changes and habit modifications (Ortiz, 2019). According to Ortiz (2019), it is therefore a reciprocal work that requires time and commitment, in which both parties contribute to change, with active and dedicated participation being fundamental.



"The Psychologist Will Judge my way of Life and my Behavior"

According to the code of ethics that regulates the profession of psychologist, a psychologist must accompany the person in their therapeutic process, always show unconditional support and acceptance and at all times, avoid the use of judgments and avoid giving personal opinions about the life and health of the user (Ortiz, 2019). In short, the psychologist may give his or her professional opinion on clinical aspects, but may never judge the way each patient chooses to live his or her life (Matos, 2021). Thus, according to Ortiz (2019), if during therapy the person feels that his or her decisions and behaviors are being evaluated, it is important to discuss this with the psychologist in order to evaluate the therapeutic relationship and take the necessary actions.



"Treatment Lasts a Lifetime"

The idea of years of therapy is another cliché from movies and television. In fact, some people may benefit from ongoing treatment, especially those with severe chronic mental illness (Belda, 2017). However, according to Belda (2017), many mental health and quality of life issues can be resolved in a few weeks or months.

It only takes a few meetings, approximately one to four, to be able to observe significant changes in the person's life (Belda, 2017). However, the benefits are not only for reducing stress or anxiety. According to Belda (2017), short-term treatment can help improve relationships and refresh skills such as better sleep, weight control, promoting healthy habits and more effective goals.



"The Therapist Just Listens"

This has become a conventional bias (Belda, 2017). People think that the therapist only knows how to listen and comment on things like, "How does that make you feel?". While listening is the basic task of a psychotherapist's job, a good therapist also talks during sessions. This includes asking key questions, helping to set personal goals, and teaching strategies and skills that help the person reach his or her goals. Corresponding with Belda (2017), the therapist may also ask the person to do a task in a way that helps the person practice new skills.



References

  1. Acuña, P. (2017). Derribando mitos (o prejuicios) sobre ir al psicólogo. Cepfami. Recuperado 22 December 2020, a partir de https://www.cepfami.com/blog/derribando-mitos-o-prejuicios-sobre-ir-al-psicologo/

  2. Belda, C. (2017). Mitos y realidades sobre la atención psicológica - Plenum. Plenum. Recuperado 22 December 2020, a partir de https://centroplenum.es/mitos-y-realidades-sobre-la-atencion-psicologica/

  3. Lozano, A. (2018). Mitos sobre ir al psicólogo. Antonialozano.com. Recuperado 22 December 2020, a partir de https://antonialozano.com/mitos-ir-al-psicologo/

  4. Matos, J. (2021). Los 12 mitos sobre la psicología que debes desterrar para ser más feliz. ABC Bienestar. Recuperado 11 September 2021, a partir de https://www.abc.es/bienestar/psicologia-sexo/psicologia/abci-12-mitos-sobre-psicologia-debes-desterrar-para-mas-feliz-202107260241_video.html

  5. Ortiz, S. (2019). Psicólogo: Mitos Y Realidades De La Psicología - GrupoVOLMAE. grupoVOLMAE. Recuperado 22 December 2020, a partir de https://volmae.es/mitos-y-realidades-de-la-psicologia/

  6. Ranz, A. (2017). Desmontando 9 mitos de ir al psicólogo. Alejandra Ranz Psicologia. Recuperado 11 September 2021, a partir de https://www.alejandraranzpsicologia.com/desmontar-los-mitos-de-ir-al-psicologo/

  7. Regader, B. (2019). 10 falsos mitos sobre la Psicología y la Psicoterapia. Avance Psicólogos Madrid. Recuperado 22 December 2020, a partir de https://www.avancepsicologos.com/falsos-mitos-sobre-la-psicologia-psicoterapia/

  8. Rodríguez, S. (2019). Los falsos mitos de ir al psicólogo. Psicotransformación - Psicólogo Online. Recuperado 11 September 2021, a partir de https://www.psicotransformacion.com.co/l/los-falsos-mitos-de-ir-al-psicologo/

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