For some, therapy is a valuable tool for personal growth and mental health treatment. Yet, despite its benefits, plenty of people hesitate to seek professional help. For example, misconceptions, personal fears, and financial concerns all contribute to this avoidance.
Let’s review the most common reasons people resist therapy, as well as practical solutions to help overcome these barriers.
The Stigma Surrounding Therapy
One of the biggest obstacles people face when considering therapy is the fear that they’ll be judged for attending. The idea that therapy is only for the mentally ill has become a harmful misconception, as people in need of help avoid it out of not wanting to appear “crazy” or unpredictable. This concern is especially prevalent in cultures or communities where emotional struggles are expected to be handled privately or dismissed altogether.
How to Overcome It
- Normalize therapy by recognizing that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Knowing what you need shows great self-awareness.
- Share personal stories or read about public figures who advocate for mental health.
- Educate the people in your life about the benefits of therapy to shift societal perceptions.
- If privacy is a concern, consider online therapy options or seek support groups where discussions are confidential.
Fear of Judgment or Vulnerability
Thinking about opening up to someone who is essentially a stranger about their deepest thoughts and emotions can be unsettling. Many people feel that the therapist is going to judge them, criticize them, or fail to understand what they’re experiencing. However, these individuals are professionals. They address incredibly complicated situations every day, and the entire therapy landscape is designed to be free from judgment.
How to Overcome It
- Remember that therapists are trained professionals who provide a safe space for clients.
- Start with a consultation session to gauge comfort levels before committing.
- Remind yourself that vulnerability is a part of the healing process and leads to self-growth.
Remember, though, if the first therapist doesn’t feel like a good fit, try another professional until you find the right match. You don’t have to stick with a provider who fails to relate to you.
The Belief That Therapy Won’t Help
Being skeptical is easy to understand, especially for people who have tried to self-correct difficult conditions and emotional states alone. Some people believe that talking about their problems isn’t productive and will not lead to positive change.
How to Overcome It
- Learn about the different types of therapy and how they cater to specific needs.
- Read success stories or research evidence-based therapy approaches.
- Give therapy a trial period of at least a few sessions before deciding if it’s right for you.
Keep in mind that attending a single therapy session is not going to correct the situations you’re dealing with. It’s a process, so being patient as you work toward recovery is essential.
Financial Concerns
The cost of therapy can be a significant deterrent, particularly for those without insurance, those with insurance with poor mental health coverage, or those with limited financial resources. Therapy sessions can be expensive, so naturally, they seem like an inaccessible option.
How to Overcome It
- Research sliding-scale therapists who adjust fees based on income.
- Look for community mental health centers that offer low-cost or free services.
- Try employee assistance programs (EAPs) or mental health benefits your employer might offer.
- Explore online therapy platforms that provide affordable options.
- Consider group therapy, which can be more cost-effective than individual sessions.
Fear of Change
Change, even when it’s for the best, can be a difficult thing to accept. Therapy encourages self-reflection and personal growth, which tends to require confronting truths that may be uncomfortable. In addition, attempting to modify behaviors or challenge long-held beliefs can be a major challenge for those considering therapy.
How to Overcome It
- Recognize that discomfort is part of the healing process.
- Set small, manageable therapy goals to reduce the pressure of big changes.
- Trust that a therapist will guide you at a comfortable pace.
- Remind yourself that personal growth is worth the effort, and avoiding therapy may only prolong the struggles you’re living with.
Not Knowing Where to Start
Some people avoid therapy simply because they don’t know where to begin. Finding a therapist is hard enough on its own, as this often requires searching for a provider that accepts your health insurance, locating one that accepts new clients, and scheduling a time that fits your schedule. All of this combined can be incredibly overwhelming.
How to Overcome It
- Use online directories to find therapists in your area.
- Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or healthcare providers.
- Call or email potential therapists to ask about their approach and availability.
- Consider starting with self-help books or mental health apps as an introduction.
Previous Negative Experiences
Though therapists are trained professionals, their qualifications do not always guarantee a positive or productive experience. Whether this is due to the wrong therapeutic approach, a simple misalignment of personalities, or genuine misconduct, a negative experience can make it hard to trust another therapist. Being misunderstood, invalidated, or unsupported by a licensed mental health provider can create a lasting aversion to therapy.
How to Overcome It
- Acknowledge that one negative experience does not define all therapy.
- Seek a therapist with a different approach or specialization.
- Communicate your concerns about past experiences with a new therapist.
Finally, give yourself permission to switch therapists if your experiences consistently fail to meet your expectations. At no time should your therapist make you feel threatened, judged, or disregarded.
The “I Should Be Able to Handle This on My Own” Mentality
Many of us are taught that emotional and mental resilience equates to suffering in silence. The idea that we should be strong enough to handle everything on our own is an incredibly damaging belief. Everybody needs help sometimes, and pretending that nothing is wrong won’t fix a problem. You should not feel forced to live with anger, fear, or sadness eating away at you simply because you can’t turn your feelings on and off on command.
How to Overcome It
- Recognize that seeking help is a responsible and proactive choice. Knowing that you need help to become a better version of yourself is a mature realization to come to.
- Understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. No one expects you to fix a broken bone alone, so why would healing an injured mind be any different? The human mind is far more complex than a bone, and there should be no shame in seeking help in either situation.
- Frame therapy as a tool for self-improvement rather than a sign of weakness.
- Remind yourself that even therapists seek therapy to maintain their well-being.
Avoiding therapy is common, but it’s important to recognize that these barriers can be overcome. At the end of the day, you are your own greatest advocate, and it’s up to you to take steps toward recovery. Regardless of the pushback you may face, therapy is an investment in your emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
If you’d like to experience the benefits of therapy and you’re looking for a dedicated mental health provider, schedule an appointment with our office today.
