Susanne M. Dillmann, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist,
CA PSY21969

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Myth #1:

Only "crazy" people go to therapy.

Therapy creates emotional wellness, meaning that every single person can benefit from therapy.

None of us arrive with instruction manuals and we are all figuring out life for the first time. Therapy is a vital piece of our human education.

Therapy allows you to work through problems, gain insights and change behavior patterns. Therapy also allows you to become more of who you are and more of who you want to be.

More Myths

Myth #2: Therapy is too expensive.

Research shows that when you invest in therapy your earning potential often increases and your medical expenses often decrease (Ackley, D. 1997 ISBN 1-57230-105-8).

In addition, the increased health & well-being provided by therapy is invaluable. The cost of therapy is comparable to other wellness services, such as a chiropractor, massage, beauty treatments, braces, lasik, etc....

Myth # 3: Digging up the past does no good.

While it will be important to inform your therapist about key events in your past, therapy is not about digging through your past,

You always retain the right to determine how much or how deeply an issue is discussed.

Therapy is about helping you understand if & how your past is impacting you in the present. Your therapist is your guide to changing how the past continues to cast a long shadow on you.

Myth #4: Going to therapy is a sign of weakness.

You act with courage when you acknowledge that you would like to alter or come to terms with aspects of your life or personality.

You act with strength when you utilize the skills & experience of a therapist to improve the quality of your life.

Myth # 5: My therapist will try to change me or tell me what to do.

As a therapist I honor who you are and meet you where you are.

I do not and will not impose my change agenda upon you.

You are free to determine your goals and the direction of therapy.

I will help you find your way towards these goals and will honor your choices along the way.

I both welcome and honor your voice and wisdom.

Myth # 6: My therapist likes me only because I pay them.

One way to think about this is that you are paying your therapist for their time and for their skills, your therapist's liking of you comes for free.

In general, therapists tend to find people interesting, fascinating and enjoy spending their time understanding and helping people.

The warmth and positive opinion that your therapist has for you comes out of them knowing you and truly thinking well of you.

Myth # 7: Therapy is boring.

Therapy is a vibrant experience, comprised of varying moments - from quiet, somber and reflective ones to animated, exuberant and vivacious ones.

There may be moments of silence and there will be moments of laughter too.

While not every session will be life changing, they definitely should not be boring - you, your personality, your relationships, your life is not boring and so discussing all things you deserves to be interesting and engaging.