Thinking About Therapy? Let’s Address Some Common Concerns

Deciding to begin therapy is a meaningful step, and it’s completely normal to have questions or hesitations. Many people have heard myths about therapy that can make reaching out feel intimidating. I’d like to address a few of the most common ones.

“Seeking therapy means I’m weak.”

One of the most common misconceptions about therapy is that needing support is a sign of weakness. In reality, seeking help often requires tremendous courage.

Therapy isn’t about someone else solving your problems for you. It’s about gaining insight, learning effective skills, and discovering strengths you may not yet recognize in yourself. My role is to guide, support, and empower you—not to take over your life or make decisions for you.

I believe that therapy should increase your confidence and independence, not your dependence on therapy. Ultimately, you’re the expert on your own life, and we’ll work collaboratively to help you build the tools needed to navigate future challenges with greater resilience.

“Therapy should be a last resort.”

Many people wait until they’re completely overwhelmed before seeking therapy. While therapy can absolutely help during life’s most difficult moments, it doesn’t have to be a last resort.

I like to think of therapy as preventative care for your mental health. Just as we care for our physical health through regular sleep, nutrition, exercise, and medical checkups, our emotional well-being also benefits from ongoing attention.

Addressing concerns early often prevents them from becoming more overwhelming later and helps you develop skills that continue serving you long after therapy has ended.

“Therapy isn’t compatible with my beliefs or values.”

For some people, cultural, spiritual, or religious beliefs can make therapy feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. Others may worry that therapy will conflict with their values or encourage them to adopt beliefs that don’t align with their own.

My approach is to tailor therapy to your values, beliefs, and goals. I strive to create a space where you feel respected and understood, regardless of your cultural, spiritual, or religious background. I will never intentionally impose my personal beliefs or values on you.

I also recognize that healing often happens through many sources of support. When appropriate, I encourage clients to lean on trusted family members, faith communities, mentors, or other meaningful relationships alongside therapy.

“All therapists are basically the same.”

Just as every person is unique, every therapist brings a different personality, training background, and therapeutic style.

Finding a therapist who feels like a good fit is one of the strongest predictors of successful therapy. Feeling comfortable, understood, and safe enough to be yourself matters.

My approach is collaborative, compassionate, educational, and evidence-based. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all model, I tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs, personality, values, and goals.

My training is grounded primarily in cognitive-behavioral and contextual behavioral therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and mindfulness-based approaches.

If those names sound unfamiliar, don’t worry. You don’t need to become an expert in therapy before your first appointment. I’ll explain any techniques we use and work with you to create a treatment plan that feels comfortable, collaborative, and tailored specifically to you.

 

The Anxiety Counseling Clinic, P.L.L.C.

1902 Common St., Ste. 300B, New Braunfels, TX 78130

Phone: 830-217-2321

Email: Dr.Chase.T@gmail.com

If you are having a mental health emergency, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.

Copyright © 2019, Tannah Chase, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved.