For some people, the thought of seeing a psychologist can be scary. And for some people, they're a little bit nervous about what to expect. I thought I'd start with addressing six (6) common misconceptions about seeing a psychologist.
The first common misconception that I've heard some people say is,
1.
"Seeing a psychologist means you're crazy."
It's outdated as it is untrue. Seeking help from a psychologist is actually a sign of strength. It shows you're taking steps to understand yourself better and work through challenges. Everyone faces tough times, and getting support is a smart, healthy choice.
2.
"Psychologists are just for people with serious mental issues."
This one is a classic! While psychologists certainly help individuals with severe mental health challenges, they also offer support for everyday stresses, relationship issues, career advice, and personal growth. It's not all about diagnosing disorders; it's also about providing tools and strategies to enhance your life.
3.
"Going to a psychologist is like getting advice from a friend."
Not exactly. Friends are great, but psychologists have years of specialised training and adhere to strict confidentiality rules. At Calder Psychology, we use evidence-based techniques to help you understand why you do the things that you do, your patterns of thoughts and behaviours, and how individuals differ from each other in terms of how they process and interpret information in their environment.
4.
"Therapy will make you dependent on the therapist."
The goal of our therapy is actually the opposite. We aim to empower you, giving you the skills and insights you need to cope with life's challenges on your own. You have the autonomy to choose the decision you want to apply, and the opportunity to learn from the consequences of your decisions. It's about building resilience and independence, not creating dependency.
5.
"Therapy takes forever to see any results."
While it's true that deep, lasting changes take time, many people start to see benefits from therapy relatively quickly. It often depends on the individual's situation, their goals, and how much they put into the process. In fact, the first time you enter our therapy room, you're already in the process of starting to create a change in your life.
6.
"Everything you say to a psychologist is written down and shared."
Privacy and confidentiality are cornerstones of psychological practice. While we do keep notes in our practice (mainly to track your progress), these informations are kept confidential. They can only be shared with your explicit permission or under very specific legal circumstances.
It's like breaking down walls. Once you get past these misconceptions, the idea of seeking help becomes a lot less daunting and a lot more like a proactive step towards a healthy mind.
In essence, seeking help from a psychologist is a proactive step towards taking charge of your mental health, promoting self-discovery, and unlocking your full potential. It's about giving yourself permission to prioritise you mental well-being, knowing that it's okay to ask for help and recognise that you don't have to face life's challenges on your own.
I hope you found this short read useful. And if you'd like to take the next step and make some positive changes, I invite you to call us here at Calder Psychology.
Melanie Calder
Director and Principal
Registered Psychologist
Suite 5, 95 Canning Highway, South Perth, WA 6151
The Garden Office Park, Level 2, 355 Scarborough Beach Road, Osborne Park WA 6017
(08) 6490 9685 | 0401 797 097 | reception@calderpsychology.com
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