People sometimes misunderstand psychotherapy and counseling. These are some common myths about counseling . . .

MYTH #1: Psychotherapy is only for people who have serious emotional problems.

FACT: While counseling does deal with people who have emotional problems it can also help:
Couples who want a stronger relationship, or are contemplating a commitment or marriage.
Individuals who have difficulty with self-esteem, communication, or assertion.
Individuals who contemplate career changes.
Employees who have difficulty juggling work, home, and other responsibilities.
Individuals who try to adjust to their new surroundings.
Individuals who strive to perform personally and professionally at ever higher levels.

MYTH #2: Seeking counseling is a sign of weakness.

FACT: There is nothing weak about a person who seeks counseling. In fact, it takes courage to explore sensitive, painful or confusing thoughts and feelings. People who enter counseling are taking the first step in resolving their difficulties.

MYTH #3: The Psychotherapist will tell you what to do and how to "fix" your problems.

FACT: Counseling is not a "quick fix" cure to your problems. The counselor is there to help you explore your feelings, thoughts, and concerns, to examine your options, and to assist you in achieving the goals you have set.

MYTH #4: The Counselors cannot understand you unless he/she has had similar experiences or is of the same background.

FACT: Psychotherapists are trained to be sensitive to and respectful of individual differences, including the specific concerns of gender, race/ethnicity, culture, religion, age, sexual preference/orientation, and socioeconomic issues.

Source:
usfweb2.usf.edu/counsel/self-hlp/what.htm
California Department of Insurance www.insurance.ca.gov
Consumer contact within the State of California Department of Insurance.
Department of Managed Health Care  www.dmhc.ca.gov