Discover the real deal on what therapy can (and cannot) do

MYTHS UNMASKED

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

DESPITE growing conversations around mental health, therapy is still surrounded by myths, stigma and outdated ideas.

Too often, people delay or avoid seeking help because of what they have heard in movies, whispered in communities, or assumed from social media.

As a result, many miss out on support that could genuinely change their lives. Here are some of the most common myths about therapy and the truths that might just shift how you should see therapy.

Myth 1: therapy is only for a crisis; I’ll wait until things are really bad. Therapy is for breakdowns or emergencies.

The truth: therapy is not just for crisis for growth. According to the American Psychological Association, therapy can help at any stage of life, whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck in old patterns, or simply want to better understand yourself. Working with a therapist early can help prevent small stresses from spiralling into something bigger.

Myth 2: therapy is too expensive and takes too much time

The truth: therapy can be an investment. Many therapists offer sliding-scale fees, insurance coverage is more common, and telehealth sessions cut down travel time.