Debunking The Top 5 Myths About Online Therapy in California
As far as we’ve come in the mental health field, therapy is still a service that has many myths surrounding it. Those myths often lead to misconceptions that can prevent someone from getting the help they need to live a happier and healthier life. No one walks through life unscathed. It’s not possible and getting the help you need can significantly improve your life. Here are the top five myths I encounter as a therapist.
Myth: Going to Online therapy in California means that you are weak.
Seeking therapy in Long Beach, CA does not mean you are weak or broken, it actually means the exact opposite. Going to therapy means you recognize something is off. Therefore, you’re strong enough to try to actively make a positive change in your life. It is brave and so much better than passively ignoring your problems and continuing to let things build up. Seeking help is ok. An online therapist is part of your support network, they’re on your team to help you get where you want to be. No one is meant to go through difficult life changes alone, and you don’t have to.
Myth: In-person and Online Therapy is only for people with “serious” issues.
Some people believe that therapy is only for people with “serious” issues, which is simply not true. For starters, “serious” is relative. People go to therapy for a multitude of reasons including anxiety and depression disorders, stress, relationship or family issues, past trauma, grief, to figure out who they are, and so on. There is no shame in getting professional help to improve your life. Continuing to push it off can only exacerbate the problem and make it harder to unravel the issue. Seeking the help you need can help you gain insight and learn tools to help you live a more joy-filled, easier life.
Myth: If I go to therapy in Long Beach, CA, then I will get a diagnosis.
Not everyone has to receive a diagnosis. Many psychotherapists and mental health counselors and private practices do not require or believe in diagnosis, but it can be required through insurance. Nonetheless, a diagnosis is not who you are and does not define you. Receiving a diagnosis could be beneficial to you to help you understand what is going on. This will help you get the correct treatment. Therefore, this is the situation you’re going through, and it changes very little about what is happening in your life. Many diagnoses can be resolved by working with a mental health professional. They will provide you with the correct tools to cope and treat your diagnosis.
Myth: An Online therapist will blame my issues on my childhood and family.
We all go through different hardships when we were children. It feels shameful to look at our family dynamics for the reason of some of the trauma we’ve experienced. Sometimes the trauma or issues that come up when we were children stick with us and our decisions as adults. Letting go of the past and moving towards the future can help some people escape the negative patterns. Even if they have grown up in an unhealthy environment, we can build healthy and loving patterns for their present and future. Speaking to an online therapist in Orange County, CA, Long Beach, CA, Los Angeles County, CA, or anywhere in California can help you let go of some of the tension you’re carrying. Proper therapy isn’t about blaming, rather it is about exploring and understanding how some family memories can still have such a negative hold on us. It also can help you have more loving feelings towards your family and make you feel more connected with them, in addition to helping you heal. Considering family therapy, couples therapy, or even having your teen begin teen therapy may help as well.
Myth: Once in therapy, always in therapy.
This is similar to the misconception surrounding diagnosis. Therapy is not meant to be “forever,” it is one of the few relationships where the end goal is to say goodbye. We want you to continue moving forward in your life with the takeaways of what you learned in therapy. There is no set length of time you will spend with a therapist since it is different for everyone. It mostly depends on the amount of time spent with the therapist, the commitment to therapy, putting in the work to see results, the type of therapy provided, and how much time you’re willing to put in outside of your sessions. Once the issues have been resolved clients can finish up with the therapist to continue growing on their own. Or they can stay to keep working on other areas of their life. The client has the power to make their own decision as to when they’re ready to finish their time in therapy.
Try Therapy in-Person or Via Online Therapy in California
Online therapy is great for busy families, teens, moms, couples, and individuals. Sometimes we can be wary of therapy services because, with all the options and access to information, myths are everywhere. That is why I am here to be straightforward with you so you receive the best help. When you begin therapy, you will work with me, an online therapist who specializes in family therapy, couples, cross-cultural issues, and trauma. To get started, schedule your free consultation, or to get started with counseling in Long Beach, CA, follow these simple steps:
Meet with me! Connie Hsu, your online therapist
Begin getting to the root of any issues you’re dealing with in a safe counseling environment!
Other Mental Health Services at Healing Generations Counseling
I offer online therapy at my Long Beach, CA counseling office. Other mental health services at Healing Generations Counseling include individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, life transitions, divorce recovery, trauma therapy, therapy for teens, support groups for teens, support groups for women, and EMDR Therapy. I also specialize in cross-cultural issues. This is a helpful service for those dealing with intergenerational trauma.
Lastly, as an online therapist, I specialize in families, cross-cultural issues, and trauma. I also provide family therapy and support for parents. Additionally, I offer blended family sessions, parent-child conflict counseling, and counseling for sibling rivalry. When you’re ready to begin therapy, I am here to serve you in Long Beach, CA, Orange County, CA, Los Angeles County, CA, or anywhere in the state of California via online therapy.