The Top 5 Truths about counseling, therapy, and psychotherapy in Long Beach, CA

Top 5 Truths about therapy, psychotherapy, counseling, and coaching in Long Beach, CA

Whenever people ask what I do for a living there is almost always one of two responses. Response #1 generally looks like people feeling safe and opening up on a genuine, vulnerable level. Response #2 typically unveils the myths and negative past experiences from their experience with therapy. 

While the ”tides are changing,” there is still a lot of stigma surrounding mental health treatment. I would love to clarify some truths about counseling and therapy and am happy to clarify any myths you might have!

Counseling Truth #1: You do not have to spill your life story and trauma in the first session.

The image of mental health treatment is often portrayed as a person laying on a couch, staring at the ceiling, and pouring out their life story with some stranger in a chair. Effective counseling is built on a relationship of trust and mutual respect between client and counselor. This takes time. While many counselors will do a general intake assessment to better understand their clients there is no expectation to immediately jump into the deep end of trauma during the first session.

Counseling Truth #2: You do the work of healing.

Therapy does not include a magic pill or wand. I have often seen an expectation that physically going to a therapy or counseling session is “supposed” to heal a person. It takes much more than that to work through the things life throws our way. The role of your therapist or counselor is to guide you through the process using insight and research-based tools to empower you on the healing journey. It is your job to practice and apply what you learned outside the therapeutic space.

Counseling Truth #3: Therapy should have an end.

Part of my role as a therapist is empowering people to heal, make positive changes in their lives, and be able to manage the ups and downs life throws at them. If I have done my job, there should be a time when my clients no longer need my assistance and can graduate from treatment using the skills they learned in therapy.

Counseling Truth #4: Talking actually does help.

Turns out verbally processing (aka talking) helps people heal and overcome trauma and conflict. When we bottle emotions up or stuff them down we eventually run out of room. That is when those things come back to the surface in an ugly and sometimes scary way. Therapy and counseling help work through these things in a safe and supportive environment.

Counseling Truth #5: Therapy/counseling is for anyone who wants it.

There is no prerequisite for seeking help and support. Sure some people’s presenting problems may be more intense than others. This does not mean, however, that yours are not just as important.

So what are you waiting for? Are you ready to make the change and seek support in your healing journey? Are you tired of surviving? If so, let me help you start thriving. Call me at (562) 353-7136 for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person.

If you are looking for help with anxiety/panic attacks, you can read more about how I can help here.