Debunking Myths About Therapy: What It’s Really Like to Work with a Therapist

Therapy gets a bad rap sometimes—thanks, TV and movies. You’ve probably seen the stereotype: a silent, unsmiling therapist in glasses, scribbling notes while someone lies stiffly on a couch under a spotlight. Not exactly comforting. Usually tense and uncomfortable.

Here’s the truth: therapy is rarely like what you’ve seen on screen. It’s more approachable, more collaborative, and, I’d argue, often even enjoyable. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be doing this work.

In this post, I’m sharing a few of the most common myths that keep people from starting therapy—and what really happens in the room (or Zoom room).

Myth #1: “Therapists just sit there and judge you.”

Reality: Therapy is a judgment-free zone.

This one breaks my heart a little. If you've ever been afraid to share something in therapy because you worried about being judged, I want you to know: our job isn't to sit back and silently evaluate your life choices.

We’re here to help you explore what’s going on—your thoughts, your feelings, your patterns—with curiosity and compassion. Therapy should feel like a soft place to land. I’m not saying that therapists don’t ever judge, and there are some not-so-great therapists that come alone — but overall, it is literally our job to put aside judgment and to meet you with openness and empathy.

Myth #2: “Therapy is just paying someone to complain about your problems.”

Reality: Therapy is where you learn, grow, process, and shift.

Sure, we talk about what’s bothering you—but we don’t stop there. Therapy is about understanding why certain patterns keep showing up, exploring what you actually want (not just what’s expected of you), and learning real-life tools to make meaningful change.

Whether it’s practicing boundaries, untangling people-pleasing, working through anxiety, or processing something difficult from your past, therapy is meant to help you get unstuck. It’s about healing, growing, and becoming—not just venting. (But don’t worry — you get to vent, too.)

Myth #3: “You have to be in crisis to go to therapy.”

Reality: You don’t need to hit rock bottom to get support.

Therapy is absolutely helpful when you're struggling—but it’s not just for when things fall apart. So many of my clients come in wanting to feel more confident, more connected, more aligned with their values. They aren’t necessarily in crisis, but they are usually feeling somewhat misaligned and dissatisfied in their lives.

Think of therapy like preventative care or personal training—for your emotional life. You don’t have to wait until everything is on fire to benefit from it.

Myth #4: “Therapy takes forever.”

Reality: You get to decide how long you’re in therapy.

Some people stay in therapy long-term for deep work or ongoing support. Others come in with a specific goal and wrap up after a handful of sessions. There’s no “one right way” to do it. Let your therapist know what your timeline is and what your goals are. Together you can figure out how long your goals may take.

This isn’t a lifetime subscription—it’s a resource you can come back to as needed. Many folks, including myself, move in and out of therapy during different ups and downs during their lives.

Myth #5: “Therapists have all the answers.”

Reality: Therapy is a partnership—not a magic fix.

I wish I had a crystal ball or the magic answer (truly), but the real work of therapy is collaborative. I bring tools, clinical training, and a nonjudgmental space. You bring your lived experience, your insight, and your willingness to show up and explore.

You’re the expert on your life. I’m here to help you tune into your own wisdom, learn new skills, and figure out what feels right for you.

So… What Is Therapy Actually Like?

Honestly? It depends.

Sometimes therapy looks like crying and processing something heavy. Sometimes it’s laughing about how weird brains are. Sometimes we role-play a tough conversation so you feel more confident going into it. Sometimes we sit with big emotions. Other times we talk about TikToks, attachment styles, or how you’re feeling about your boss, your mom, or your messy relationships.

You might walk away with a concrete skill, an “aha” moment, or simply the relief of being truly heard.

If you're more of an outdoorsy type, you might even try Walk and Talk Therapy—where movement and fresh air support the healing process.

However it looks, therapy should feel like yours.

Curious about your first session? Check out my post on What to Expect in Therapy to learn more.

Don’t Let the Myths Hold You Back!

It’s okay to feel nervous about starting therapy—it’s a vulnerable step. But it’s also one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself. Therapy offers a space where you don’t have to perform, please, or pretend.

At Rosebud Psychotherapy, I work with passionate, hard-working, thoughtful women who are ready to stop overfunctioning and start feeling more like themselves again. If you’re tired of carrying it all on your own, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

✨ Ready to get started? Contact me here to schedule your first session. You deserve the support you give so freely to everyone else.