🌿 Common Myths About Counselling Debunked | LH Counselling Service 🌿

Counselling is becoming more widely talked about, yet many people still hesitate to seek therapy due to misunderstandings about what counselling involves. These common myths about counselling can create fear, shame, or uncertainty and may prevent people from accessing professional mental health support.

This article explores and debunks some of the most common counselling myths, helping you better understand what counselling really is and how it can help.

Myth 1: You have to be at rock bottom to go to counselling ❌

A widespread belief is that counselling is only for people experiencing severe mental health problems or crisis. In reality, counselling and psychotherapy can support people at many different stages of life.

You might seek counselling for anxiety, stress, burnout, relationship issues, low self-esteem, or simply feeling stuck. You don’t need to be “bad enough” to benefit from professional counselling support.

Myth 2: Counsellors will tell you what to do ❌

Some people worry that a counsellor will give advice or tell them how to live their life. Ethical counselling does not involve directing or judging clients.

Instead, counselling is a collaborative process where a qualified counsellor helps you explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences safely. The aim is to support self-understanding, personal growth, and informed choice, rather than to make decisions for you.

Myth 3: Talking won’t change anything ❌

It’s common to feel sceptical about whether talking therapy can actually help, especially if you’ve already tried to think things through on your own.

Counselling provides more than just conversation. Talking therapy helps process emotions on a deeper level, supports nervous system regulation, and can reduce emotional overwhelm. Being heard in a non-judgemental therapeutic space can create meaningful and lasting change.

Myth 4: Counselling means talking about your childhood ❌

While past experiences can sometimes be relevant, counselling does not mean you must revisit childhood or trauma unless you choose to.

Many people use counselling to focus on present-day difficulties such as work stress, relationships, anxiety, or self-confidence. You are always in control of what you talk about and the pace of therapy.

(This is especially true in person-centred therapy, which focuses on the “here and now” rather than the past).

Myth 5: Crying in counselling means you’re weak ❌

Some people avoid therapy because they fear becoming emotional. Crying in counselling is not a sign of weakness, it’s a natural human response (and it’s actually good for your health!)

Counselling offers a safe space where emotions are welcomed rather than suppressed. Emotional expression can be an important part of healing and improving mental health and emotional resilience.

Myth 6: Counselling is only for people with mental illness ❌

Counselling is not just for those with diagnosed mental health conditions. Many clients seek counselling for personal development, emotional support, and life challenges.

People access counselling for reasons such as relationship difficulties, grief, low self-esteem, stress, or major life changes. You don’t need a diagnosis to work with a counsellor.

Myth 7: I should be able to handle this on my own ❌

This belief often stems from societal pressure to appear strong and self-sufficient. However, seeking counselling support is not a sign of failure. Counselling provides a confidential space where you don’t have to cope alone. Working with a therapist can help you develop healthier coping strategies and improve emotional wellbeing.

Myth 8: Once you start counselling, you’ll need it forever ❌

Some people worry that starting therapy means a long-term commitment. In reality, counselling is flexible. Some clients attend short-term counselling, while others choose longer-term therapy depending on their needs. You remain in control of how long you engage in counselling and can start or stop at any time. No pressure.

🌿 Final Thoughts 🌿

Counselling is not about fixing something “wrong” with you. It’s about creating a safe, supportive space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a trained professional.

Understanding the reality of counselling can help remove barriers and make it easier to reach out for support, no matter what is going on in your life.

If you’re considering counselling and want to learn more, visit 🔗 lhcounsellingservice.co.uk or get in touch to explore your options.