The Top 3 Myths about Counseling, Therapy, Psychotherapy, and Coaching in Connecticut
When it comes to the topics of Connecticut therapy, coaching, and counseling, it can feel flat-out confusing for clients like yourself to understand the difference between them all. In addition to the differences feeling very unclear, there are many misunderstandings and myths about these professions.
In this blog post, I’m going to share with you the top 3 myths about therapy in Connecticut so that you can get the clarity you’re looking for and make the best decision for you about who you want to work with.
Myth #1: There are no therapists in Connecticut.
One of the biggest myths about Connecticut therapy is the belief that there are no therapists available to work with because they are fully booked. In reality, Connecticut has a diverse range of licensed therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals who are open and available to support you right now. Whether you’re looking for individual therapy, couples therapy, or a specific form of therapy (i.e. somatic therapy, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, etc.), there are numerous qualified professionals across Connecticut who are ready and able to support you to reach your goals. This myth may stem from outdated information or misconceptions, but rest assured, there are many options to choose from to find the right therapist for your needs.
Myth #2: Connecticut therapy is only about talking about your childhood.
Many people assume that therapy is solely focused on discussing one’s childhood or family-of-origin experiences. In my personal therapy practice, I always tell my clients, “The only reason we will address the past is if it is impacting you in the present.” While understanding past experiences and childhood trauma can absolutely be a key part of therapy, it is not necessarily the sole focus. Many therapeutic approaches work on addressing current beliefs, fears, behaviors, and challenges through present-focused practices like somatic therapies, Internal Family Systems, spiritual practices, mindfulness approaches, mindset work, and more. Excellent therapy includes a dynamic combination of setting clear objectives and implementing effective practices for navigating your current life challenges.
Myth #3: Connecticut therapists just listen and don’t offer real solutions.
There is a long-held narrative about therapists that harkens forward an image of you lying down on a couch talking about your “problems” and the therapist simply nodding along and offering nothing of value. This is not what therapy actually is! To be clear, therapy is just like any other profession—you will find excellent, great, good, okay, and terrible therapists. What makes an excellent therapist is their ability to hold space for all that you need to share, their ability to actively listen to you in a way that helps you feel seen and understood, and their ability to offer effective practices and tools that help you move the needle in your life. This is truly effective therapy—and it is much more common than that old school myth.
To sum it up:
There is an incredibly diverse range of skilled, qualified, and well-trained therapists in Connecticut who are ready and available to work with you right now.
High-quality Connecticut therapy will focus on your childhood only if it is impacting you in the present and is directly connected to your personal goals for therapy.
An excellent therapist isn’t just an excellent head-nodder. They use a combination of active listening, space holding, and delivery of practices that truly work to help you achieve the change and transformation you’re looking for.
Like what we talked about today? Check out these Connecticut therapy related articles:
FAQs about Therapy, Counseling, Coaching and Finding Therapy in Connecticut
What to Expect from Counseling, Mental Health, Psychotherapy, and Therapy in Connecticut
