Starting psychotherapy sometimes seems “scary”. Starting anything new is scary, let alone allowing a professional to delve into our minds, tear down all our castles and little constructs that have allowed us to build over the years, judge them and make us review. The results are terrifying. Either good or bad.

And what if we discover that there is nothing wrong with others? That we just have to settle for who we are for the rest of our lives? That our fears are justified and that it has nothing to do with a lack of self-esteem? That it’s not our parents’ fault or our traumas, but solely ours? Psychotherapy carries with it false myths, prejudices and misconceptions that keep us from embarking on this journey.

TikTok is full of discussions and videos about psychotherapy. They all think they have disorders, self-diagnose, use medical and professional jargon, and report it as if they know it well.

@israajnasir Had to repost bc the old one lost the audio. Thank you #universalmusic 🥲 #therapyspeak #therapysessions #therapytok #therapytiktok ♬ original sound – Israa Nasir

The benefits of psychotherapy

The fears that prevent you have no basis in truth. The psychological journey is almost never related to fixed and dire diagnoses. It’s called a journey for a reason, it’s long and hard and sometimes slow. When you start psychotherapy you will understand that with a little effort and consistency, it can lead to tangible results. But nothing is better to reassure the most fearful, than the facts below.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, for example, 75% of people who start this journey benefit from it. But what are these benefits? Going to psychotherapy improves our communication skills, both externally and internally. It makes us feel better overall. It allows us to face life with greater awareness. It keeps stress away, and when it doesn’t, it helps us reduce it. The New York Treatment Center also mentions, in addition to the list of benefits, the acquisition of new perspectives and the possibility of avoiding falling into depression or anxiety disorders.

Finally, Gitnux’s 2024 report states that 65.9% of adults who have received some form of psychotherapy or mental health counseling reported feeling better and “functioning” better in their daily lives, day in and day out. the day.

@imperfecttaylor 6 benefits of talk therapy! Based on my experience :) #therapytiktok #therapist #therapytok #talktherapy #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters ♬ original sound – Imperfect Taylor

Once we start, how should we behave?

Deciding to start psychotherapy and taking a first step towards it are the most important things, but not self-evident. Psychotherapy is a human relationship between a professional and a “patient” who needs care. If you’ve had a few trial sessions and realized that this particular person isn’t right for you, keep trying. If you want, also research the different approaches and types of treatment and get advice from professionals about what might be best for you. Pay attention to verbal information between friends. Your therapist should not be the therapist of your partner, relatives or friends, as unpleasant entanglements may arise, which will prevent you from freely expressing what you want to say.

Finding the right therapist is like finding the perfect pair of jeans: you have to try on a few and cry in fitting rooms until you find the perfect fit. Once you find it, you have to be open and willing. Don’t be shy about anything, cooperate and don’t lie. Shame and criticism do not exist, or should not exist, in these 50 minutes.