Think Therapy Is Only for the “Deeply Troubled”? 5 Surprising Myths Debunked by Science
2. Myth: Therapy takes years to work.
Fact: While the length of therapy varies depending on the person and the type of treatment, many people experience significant improvements in a shorter time span. The American Psychological Association (APA) writes that, on average, half of patients report recovery after 15 to 20 therapy sessions. This means that (for those attending sessions once weekly), therapy can lead to meaningful change in 4 or 5 months. For people with acute challenges, therapy can be effective even quicker. For example, CBT, which focuses on specific issues, typically requires just 12 to 16 weeks.
However, it’s worth noting that more chronic issues or co-occurring conditions may require a longer course of treatment to achieve sustained improvement—often around 12 to 18 months, according to the APA. It’s important to have an open conversation with your therapist about your goals and progress, as therapy length can be adjusted based on your needs.
3. Myth: Therapy is only for people with severe mental health problems.
Fact: Therapy can benefit anyone, not just those with severe mental illness. Research shows that therapy can help with mild conditions like stress and relationship issues. In fact, in Norway, health authorities now recommend psychological interventions as the first line of treatment for mild to moderate depression rather than medication. Also, experts point out that psychotherapy has been shown to reduce relapses of anxiety and mild depression, offering short-term relief and enduring benefits.
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