What You Need to Know to Debunk the top myths about counseling

There are so many benefits to counseling — you have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and improve communication with your loved ones. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, ADHD, relationship challenges, or everyday stress, counseling provides a supportive environment to explore your thoughts and feelings, identify patterns, and work toward the change you want!

But there can be many misconceptions about counseling or therapy that can prevent someone from seeking help. I want to help you by addressing those myths here.

Myth 1: Counseling Is Only for 'Serious' Mental Health Issues

Counseling absolutely is for people with serious mental health issues, but it is ALSO for people who are seeking help with mild anxiety, with learning new skills to cope with the stresses in life, to learn a different way of communicating with partners and friends, or being unproductive or unmotivated such as with ADHD. And a lot of people nowadays are truly wanting to personally develop and learn more about themselves, what makes them tick, and how to have the lives they want to have.

Here at Heartwise Counseling in Lake Oswego, we want to help you with everyday stress, anxiety, ADHD, and relationship issues.

Myth 2: Therapy Takes Years to See Any Results

It's a common myth that therapy has to be a long-term commitment to be effective, but this isn't true. Many people experience significant improvements in a short time through goal-focused or solution-oriented therapy. Whether it's managing anxiety, addressing ADHD, or improving communication in a relationship, short-term therapy can provide practical tools and insights that lead to meaningful change within just a few sessions.

Myth 3: Couples Counseling Is Only for Relationships on the Brink of Divorce

Couples counseling is often thought to be a last resort for relationships on the brink of divorce, but that's a misconception. In reality, couples counseling can be beneficial at any stage of a relationship, helping partners strengthen their bond, improve communication, and navigate challenges before they escalate. Whether you're newlyweds, long-time partners, or anywhere in between, couples counseling offers a proactive way to build a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.

Myth 4: Seeking Counseling Means You’re ‘Weak’ or ‘Can’t Handle Your Problems’

The idea that people who seek therapy “can’t handle their problems” is a harmful myth. In truth, it takes courage and strength to acknowledge when you need help and to take proactive steps toward better mental health. Seeking therapy is a sign of self-awareness and resilience, not weakness. It shows a commitment to personal growth, emotional well-being, and the willingness to face challenges head-on, which are all marks of inner strength. At Heartwise Counseling, we want to help you be proactive in addressing your anxiety, ADHD, and relationship challenges.

Myth 5: Therapists Just Sit and Listen Without Providing Solutions

The myth that counselors just sit and listen without offering solutions couldn't be further from the truth. While active listening is a key part of therapy, counselors are also trained to guide clients toward actionable strategies and solutions. They work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized plans, teach coping skills, and offer practical tools to address challenges. Therapy is a dynamic process, where the counselor actively supports and empowers clients to make positive changes in their lives.

I personally want to be an active part of my client’s journey towards their goals and at our counseling office in Lake Oswego, I work directly with you to create a plan tailored to your goals, and support you along the way with ideas, strategies, and even accountability to reach those goals.

I hope you now have more information around some of the common misconceptions around counseling and therapy. I hope you see that counseling can be for anyone, whether you have depression, anxiety, or ADHD, or you want support and help with stressors, life balance, and personal development. You don’t have to be in therapy forever, and can make strides quickly. It takes strength to address your struggles and at HeartWise Counseling in Lake Oswego, I strive to actively and collaborating help you reach your goals. If you feel I could be of help to you, and you are ready to explore counseling with me, contact me today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.