So You’re Too Smart for Therapy? That’s Cute.
So, You Think Therapy Is a Scam?
Look, I get it. Therapy sounds like one of those things rich influencers do between juice cleanses and sound baths. And sure, therapy is more mainstream than ever—just like oat milk and people claiming to be "empaths."
Yet, somehow, an alarming number of people still think therapy is either a scam, a sign of weakness, or something only the truly unhinged need.
So, let’s rip off the Band-Aid, shall we? Here are the biggest, dumbest, most persistent myths about therapy—and why they’re absolute nonsense.
According to the American Psychological Association, therapy use has increased by over 30% since 2019
If therapy is a "scam," then explain this
In the past decade, therapy searches on Google have skyrocketed, mental health apps are raking in billions, and even celebrities who once swore
by "just toughing it out" are now openly talking about their therapists like they’re personal trainers for the brain.
So, let’s put them out of their misery, shall we?
Myth #1: Therapy Is for Crazy People
Oh, sweet summer child. If only life were that simple. This is like saying gyms are only for bodybuilders or dentists are only for people with no teeth left. The truth? Therapy is for everyone. And I mean everyone—from your corporate overlord boss who has a God complex to your friend who keeps dating the human equivalent of a red flag.
Stat check: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five U.S. adults experiences a mental illness each year. And that’s just the diagnosed ones. Now, if I asked you to name five friends, chances are, at least one of them is struggling. And if you just thought, I don’t know anyone with mental health issues, congrats—it’s probably you.
Myth #2: Just Get a Hobby and You’ll Be Fine
Right, because knitting has definitely cured depression. If that were true, Hobby Lobby would be a mental health clinic.
Yes, hobbies are great. So are exercise, journaling, and eating something green once in a while. But here’s the thing: Anxiety, depression, trauma—these aren’t just "bad moods" you can DIY your way out of. They’re real, complex conditions that require more than just a new passion for pottery.
Does therapy mean you can’t enjoy hobbies? No. But it does mean you don’t have to rely on crocheting your way through emotional breakdowns.
Myth #3: Therapists Just Nod and Say ‘How Does That Make You Feel?’
Okay, first of all, have you met a therapist? Because mine once called me out so hard I had an existential crisis in the parking lot. A good therapist isn’t just a human tape recorder who repeats "tell me more." They challenge you, make you question your own BS, and sometimes (lovingly) drag you.
In fact, therapy isn’t even just about talking. Many therapists use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, EMDR, and a whole arsenal of science-backed techniques that go way beyond a glorified vent session. And honestly, if all you wanted was someone to listen, your group chat is free.
Myth #4: Therapy Is Just Paying for a Friend
You know what’s free? Trauma dumping on your friends. You know what’s not fair? Expecting them to handle your unresolved childhood issues when they’re barely keeping their own lives together.
A therapist isn’t your friend. They’re a professional with years of training who can actually help you break toxic patterns, process trauma, and navigate life without spiraling into an existential crisis every Tuesday night. Friends are great for brunch. Therapists are great for unpacking why you have trust issues in the first place.
Myth #5: Therapy Is Too Expensive
Ah, yes. The classic "I’d love to, but it’s too expensive" excuse. You know what else is expensive? Coping mechanisms. You can drop $200 on bottomless mimosas every weekend, or you can invest that in actually figuring out why you need bottomless mimosas to begin with.
That said, therapy can be pricey, but there are options. Many therapists work on a sliding scale. Online therapy services like BetterHelp and Talkspace have made access easier than ever. Some companies even offer therapy benefits (shocking, I know). So before you say it’s "too expensive," maybe check if your Starbucks budget says otherwise.
Myth #6: If You Go to Therapy, You’re Weak
Oh, so admitting you need help is weak, but bottling up your emotions until you explode at a customer service rep is strong? Got it.
In reality, it takes way more strength to be vulnerable than to pretend you have everything under control. Some of the most successful, high-functioning people on the planet see therapists—CEOs, athletes, artists. Michael Phelps, Lady Gaga, Oprah, even freaking Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson have openly talked about going to therapy. So if you think therapy makes you weak, congratulations! You’re officially tougher than The Rock.
Alternative Perspective: Therapy Is Work—And You Have to Do Yours Too
Here’s the part no one tells you: Therapy isn’t a magic fix. You don’t just show up, talk for an hour, and suddenly become a fully functional human. Therapy is only as good as the effort you put in.
Your therapist can guide you, challenge you, and give you tools—but if you’re not actually using those tools in your daily life, you’re basically paying for very expensive small talk.
At the end of the day, your mental health is your responsibility. Therapy helps, but so do self-awareness, lifestyle choices, and actively working on yourself outside of sessions.
So, What’s the Verdict?
Therapy isn’t magic. It won’t make your problems disappear overnight. But it will give you the tools to deal with them in a way that doesn’t involve tequila or ghosting people. And if you’re still skeptical? Fine. But at least admit that maybe, just maybe, talking to someone who actually knows what they’re doing is better than letting your issues marinate in your brain like bad leftovers.
Your move.
Oh, sweet summer child. If only life were that simple. This is like saying gyms are only for bodybuilders or dentists are only for people with no teeth left. The truth? Therapy is for everyone. And I mean everyone—from your corporate overlord boss who has a God complex to your friend who keeps dating the human equivalent of a red flag.
Stat check: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five U.S. adults experiences a mental illness each year. And that’s just the diagnosed ones. Now, if I asked you to name five friends, chances are, at least one of them is struggling. And if you just thought, I don’t know anyone with mental health issues, congrats—it’s probably you.
Myth #2: Just Get a Hobby and You’ll Be Fine
Right, because knitting has definitely cured depression. If that were true, Hobby Lobby would be a mental health clinic.
Yes, hobbies are great. So are exercise, journaling, and eating something green once in a while. But here’s the thing: Anxiety, depression, trauma—these aren’t just "bad moods" you can DIY your way out of. They’re real, complex conditions that require more than just a new passion for pottery.
Does therapy mean you can’t enjoy hobbies? No. But it does mean you don’t have to rely on crocheting your way through emotional breakdowns.
Myth #3: Therapists Just Nod and Say ‘How Does That Make You Feel?’
Okay, first of all, have you met a therapist? Because mine once called me out so hard I had an existential crisis in the parking lot. A good therapist isn’t just a human tape recorder who repeats "tell me more." They challenge you, make you question your own BS, and sometimes (lovingly) drag you.
In fact, therapy isn’t even just about talking. Many therapists use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, EMDR, and a whole arsenal of science-backed techniques that go way beyond a glorified vent session. And honestly, if all you wanted was someone to listen, your group chat is free.
Myth #4: Therapy Is Just Paying for a Friend
You know what’s free? Trauma dumping on your friends. You know what’s not fair? Expecting them to handle your unresolved childhood issues when they’re barely keeping their own lives together.
A therapist isn’t your friend. They’re a professional with years of training who can actually help you break toxic patterns, process trauma, and navigate life without spiraling into an existential crisis every Tuesday night. Friends are great for brunch. Therapists are great for unpacking why you have trust issues in the first place.
Myth #5: Therapy Is Too Expensive
Ah, yes. The classic "I’d love to, but it’s too expensive" excuse. You know what else is expensive? Coping mechanisms. You can drop $200 on bottomless mimosas every weekend, or you can invest that in actually figuring out why you need bottomless mimosas to begin with.
That said, therapy can be pricey, but there are options. Many therapists work on a sliding scale. Online therapy services like BetterHelp and Talkspace have made access easier than ever. Some companies even offer therapy benefits (shocking, I know). So before you say it’s "too expensive," maybe check if your Starbucks budget says otherwise.
Myth #6: If You Go to Therapy, You’re Weak
Oh, so admitting you need help is weak, but bottling up your emotions until you explode at a customer service rep is strong? Got it.
In reality, it takes way more strength to be vulnerable than to pretend you have everything under control. Some of the most successful, high-functioning people on the planet see therapists—CEOs, athletes, artists. Michael Phelps, Lady Gaga, Oprah, even freaking Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson have openly talked about going to therapy. So if you think therapy makes you weak, congratulations! You’re officially tougher than The Rock.
Alternative Perspective: Therapy Is Work—And You Have to Do Yours Too
Here’s the part no one tells you: Therapy isn’t a magic fix. You don’t just show up, talk for an hour, and suddenly become a fully functional human. Therapy is only as good as the effort you put in.
Your therapist can guide you, challenge you, and give you tools—but if you’re not actually using those tools in your daily life, you’re basically paying for very expensive small talk.
At the end of the day, your mental health is your responsibility. Therapy helps, but so do self-awareness, lifestyle choices, and actively working on yourself outside of sessions.
So, What’s the Verdict?
Therapy isn’t magic. It won’t make your problems disappear overnight. But it will give you the tools to deal with them in a way that doesn’t involve tequila or ghosting people. And if you’re still skeptical? Fine. But at least admit that maybe, just maybe, talking to someone who actually knows what they’re doing is better than letting your issues marinate in your brain like bad leftovers.
Your move.
