The Stigma Around Going to Therapy and How to Move Past It 💭

Despite growing awareness around mental health, many people still hesitate before reaching out for therapy. For some, the idea of counselling brings up feelings of embarrassment, fear of judgement, or the belief that they should be able to “cope on their own”. This stigma can be subtle or overt, and it often stops people from getting support when they need it most.

I regularly meet clients who say, “I nearly didn’t come”. This blog explores where the stigma around therapy comes from, how it affects people, and how it can be gently challenged.

Where does the stigma come from?

Much of the stigma surrounding therapy is rooted in outdated beliefs. For generations, emotional struggle was seen as a weakness, something to be hidden or pushed through. Phrases like “just get on with it” or “others have it worse” may have been well-intentioned, but they taught many people to dismiss their own pain.

There is also a lingering myth that therapy is only for people who are “mentally ill” or in crisis. In reality, many people seek counselling for anxiety, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, burnout, grief, or simply feeling stuck. It is important to remember that these are human experiences.

Common fears about starting therapy

Stigma often shows up as fear rather than belief. You might recognise some of these thoughts:

• What if people think I’m weak?

• What if my problems aren’t serious enough?

• What if I’m judged or misunderstood?

• What if talking about it makes things worse?

These worries are understandable, especially if you’ve spent years minimising your feeling and being the one other people rely on.

Why “coping alone” isn’t always healthier

Many people delay therapy because they believe they should manage on their own. While resilience is valuable, struggling in silence often comes at a cost. Unprocessed emotions can show up as anxiety, irritability, physical tension, sleep problems, or difficulties in relationships.

Seeking counselling is not a failure of coping, it is a choice to understand yourself more deeply, rather than continuing to survive on autopilot.

Therapy isn’t about being “fixed”

Another common misconception is that therapy is about being analysed or corrected. In reality, counselling is a collaborative, human process. It offers space to speak openly, without judgement, and to make sense of experiences that may have been carried alone for a long time.

At L H Counselling, therapy is not about labels or telling you what to do. It is about helping you feel heard, understood, and supported as you explore what matters to you.

🙅‍♀️ Challenging stigma one step at a time

Overcoming stigma does not require dramatic shifts in thinking. Often, it starts with small reframes:

• Needing support does not mean you are weak

• Emotional pain does not have to reach crisis point to be valid

• Talking to a therapist is a form of self-care, not self-indulgence

• You are allowed support, even if you appear “high-functioning”

Choosing therapy is often a sign of self-awareness, not inadequacy.

You don’t have to tell anyone

Another barrier is worrying about what others might think. It is worth remembering that therapy is private. You are not obliged to share that you are attending counselling unless you want to. Many clients find reassurance in knowing this is something just for them.

A gentle invitation

If you have ever thought about therapy but talked yourself out of it, you are not alone. Stigma thrives in silence and self-doubt, but it loosens its grip when experiences are named and understood.

Counselling offers a space to explore life with honesty and compassion, all at your own pace.

If you are considering therapy and feeling unsure, L H Counselling is here to support you.

Offering a safe, confidential space for reflection, healing, and growth.

🌿 lhcounsellingservice.co.uk