Starting therapy can be one of the most positive decisions you make for your well-being — but it's also one that many people delay. Often, it's not because they don't believe therapy could help, but because of the myths and misunderstandings that surround what therapy is and who it's for.

Let's unpack some of the most common myths about therapy and talk about how to overcome them.

Myth #1: "Therapy is only for people with serious mental illness."

The truth:

Therapy can help with everything from managing stress, improving relationships, and coping with life transitions to addressing depression or trauma. It's not just for crises — it's also for growth, insight, and prevention.

Try this instead:

Think of therapy like physical fitness. You don't wait until you're injured to exercise — you do it to stay strong. Similarly, you can start therapy when you want to feel more balanced, resilient, or self-aware, not only when things feel unbearable.

Myth #2: "Talking to a therapist is the same as talking to a friend."

The truth:

Friends are invaluable for support, but therapists are trained to help you understand patterns, process emotions, and make changes in ways that friends can't. Therapy offers a private, structured space focused entirely on you — without judgment or personal bias.

Try this instead:

If you're unsure what therapy might offer beyond your support network, try a consultation call. Mind and Match therapists offer short introductory calls so you can experience the difference firsthand.

Myth #3: "Therapy means something is wrong with me."

The truth:

Seeking therapy doesn't mean something is "wrong" — it means you're taking responsibility for your mental health. Just like you'd see a doctor for your body or a coach for your career, therapy is about skill-building and support, not shame.

Try this instead:

Reframe therapy as an act of self-respect. Starting care is not a sign of weakness — it's a sign that you value yourself enough to invest in your well-being.

Myth #4: "Therapy is too expensive."

The truth:

Cost is a real consideration, but therapy is more accessible than many people realize. Mind and Match therapists accept insurance and will verify any out-of-pocket costs that you have before you begin care.

Try this instead:

Check with your insurance plan — many cover mental health services just like physical health.

Myth #5: "Therapy will take forever."

The truth:

Therapy doesn't have to be a lifelong commitment. Some people benefit from just a few sessions focused on a specific issue; others choose longer-term work for ongoing growth. The timeline depends on your goals.

Try this instead:

Ask your therapist early on how they approach goal-setting and progress. Setting a timeline together can make therapy feel more purposeful and manageable.

Myth #6: "I should be able to handle things on my own."

The truth:

Self-reliance is admirable, but mental health isn't something we're meant to manage in isolation. Humans are wired for connection and healing through relationship — therapy simply formalizes that in a way that helps you grow.

Try this instead:

Remind yourself that getting support is part of handling things well. Strength isn't about doing everything alone; it's about knowing when to reach out for the right kind of help.

Taking the First Step

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but it's often less about finding the "perfect" therapist and more about taking that first step. You don't need to have the right words or know exactly what you want to talk about — just the willingness to begin.

At Mind and Match, we make it simple to get started by matching you with a therapist who fits your needs and preferences. You can schedule a free consultation to see if it feels like a good fit — no pressure, no commitment, just a chance to see what support could look like.

Remember: Therapy isn't about fixing what's broken — it's about helping you live more fully, with greater clarity and compassion for yourself. The hardest part is often just getting started. Once you do, you may find it's one of the best choices you've ever made for your mental health.