Therapy Myth’s: Where Do They Come From?

Part of the idea comes from how we talk about therapy in everyday life. Often, we see therapy mentioned in connection with crisis, trauma, or “big” mental health struggles. Of course, therapy can absolutely support people through those times. But the truth is, therapy is not only for emergencies; it’s also for everyday living, the grey areas, and the quiet struggles that don’t always make headlines but can still feel heavy to carry.

We also live in a culture that sometimes treats self-care as indulgence or therapy as a “last resort”. It’s easy to internalise the message that you need to justify your need for help or that you should only ask when you’re at rock bottom.

But therapy is not a thing you only get to access for surviving the hardest moments. It’s a space for being human in all your complexity, at any stage. Maybe consider lightening the mental load or softening the impact of hard moments.

What “Bad Enough” Really Means

If we gently tilt the lens you are currently looking through, we might bring into focus the idea of:

You don’t need to be “bad enough” for therapy. You only need to be human enough.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, lonely, or curious about yourself, or simply longing for a safe space to talk through the jumble of thoughts in your head, that’s reason enough. Therapy doesn’t require a diagnosis, a crisis, or a dramatic story. It requires only that you bring yourself, as you are, and a willingness to explore.

I often remind people: IF you were physically broken, if you broke your ankle for example, you would seek help; you wouldn’t keep walking on it and ‘pretend’ it wasn’t broken or it’s not painful. (ok so full disclosure I did this for a day but that’s another blog for another day) Anyway, getting back to my main point. You accept it is broken and see a professional who puts it in a cast. Then rest and recover; that is such an important part we all miss. Your emotional wellbeing is not that different; stop walking around with a stress-fractured mind. Therapy can help you notice what’s happening before things get completely fractured and need to be immobilised in order to heal.

Therapy as Prevention, Not Just Reaction

One of the most powerful things therapy offers is prevention. By giving yourself space to notice patterns, reflect on challenges, and express what’s hard, you may prevent difficulties from deepening into crisis or full fracture.

Think of it like exercise for your mental health. People go to the gym not only when they’re injured but also to maintain strength, resilience, and wellbeing. Therapy works much the same way, keeping you connected, resourced, and supported, even when life feels “okay”.

The Comparison Trap

Another reason people doubt whether they deserve therapy is comparison. You might look at someone else’s life or imagine what others are going through and think, “I don’t have it that bad.”

But pain isn’t a competition. Your struggles don’t have to “win” a prize for the hardest story in order to matter. Therapy isn’t about whose suffering is greatest; it’s about creating a safe, supportive relationship where your experiences are valid.

It’s okay to let go of ranking your pain. What you feel is what you feel. And if it’s weighing on you, therapy can help. Plus, we only see what people want us to see and that’s normally not the full messy bits.

Everyday Reasons People Come to Therapy

To break down the myth further, people often come to therapy for very ordinary, very human reasons. Sometimes it’s because they feel a little “off” or stuck without knowing why. Sometimes it’s a desire to understand themselves more deeply or to work through struggles with confidence, self-esteem, or boundaries.

Therapy can also be a space to process grief or change, not only the big losses but also the quieter shifts, like moving house or starting a new job. For others, it’s about easing the loneliness that comes with feeling disconnected in relationships or simply having a safe place to untangle thoughts without worrying about burdening friends or family. And sometimes, it’s as simple as wanting time that is just for them.

None of these reasons require being in crisis. They require only being human and we all have that in common even if we feel very different.

What Therapy Offers

At its heart, therapy offers something rare: a space where you don’t have to edit yourself. Where you don’t have to “be fine”. Where your thoughts, feelings, and questions are welcome exactly as they are. The very unplanned, unfiltered, messy, awkward and embarrassing, to admit even.

It’s not about being ill enough, broken enough, or desperate enough. It’s about being open to exploring your inner world with someone alongside you, someone who will listen, reflect, and gently support you to find your way.

If You’re Wondering Whether It’s “Enough”

If you’re asking yourself the “enough” question, that’s already a sign that you might benefit from talking with someone. Sometimes the simple longing for support, understanding, or connection is reason enough. You are in control if you try it; no one will make you stay or demand you share your deepest, most embarrassing story. You have a choice, always.

Therapy doesn’t need a permission slip. In fact, you can issue your own permission slip; you are allowed to look after yourself because you want to, for no better or other reason than that to me. It meets you; I meet you where you are.

A Gentle Closing Thought

You don’t need to justify your need for therapy. You don’t need to hit a breaking point. You don’t need to have a dramatic story to tell.

Being human is reason enough. Let’s face it: being Human is hard enough without additional pressures added in.

So, if you’ve been holding yourself back, wondering whether your struggles “count”, I hope you’ll hear this clearly: they do. You do.

And if you’re curious about what therapy might look like for you, I’d be glad to chat with you about exploring that.