At Ascend, we have frequent therapy sessions with our clients. They experience one on one therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. Whether you have a child in treatment with us or you’re considering scheduling sessions with a therapist through your hospital, we can help you learn more about what to expect. Explore some of the most common misconceptions about therapy to prepare yourself and keep an open mind. We’ll also be discussing some of the most common challenges during therapy.
Therapy is a tool that we use to help guide children and parents through behavioral and mental health challenges. Learn more about our approach to treatment today.
Three Common Misconceptions About Therapy
1. Needing Therapy Is a Sign of Weakness
This misconception about therapy can take many forms. For example, men might be less likely to seek out therapy due to societal pressures, or parents might be hesitant to begin family therapy because they don’t want to be seen as bad parents. However, at Ascend, we see reaching out for help as an act of courage. Parents who reach out to get help for their children and themselves are working to create the best possible environment for their families.
From communication issues to behavioral struggles, there are several reasons why a family might benefit from sessions with an experienced therapist.
2. Therapy Will Make You Feel Better Immediately
While having someone you can talk to about the struggles you’re facing can provide a feeling of relief, you might not see immediate improvement after your first (or even third) therapy session. Therapy can be slow because sessions might bring up painful or uncomfortable experiences that take a while to process. However, working through those challenging experiences and emotions will give you the coping skills you need to feel better in the future.
3. You Have to Stay in Therapy Forever
Although many people benefit from seeing a therapist regularly, it’s a common misconception about therapy that you have to keep going forever. It’s normal to spend just a few months in therapy, learning new ways to communicate with loved ones and practicing coping mechanisms for future difficulties.
Challenges in Therapy for Parents
While the above misconceptions about therapy can keep some individuals from reaching out for help when they need it, there are also a few challenges that parents and children can face during therapy. Knowing these obstacles in advance can help you be proactive and make the most out of your sessions. Some of the most common challenges you might encounter include:
- Not telling the whole truth – Hiding things from your therapist can derail progress. Sessions are a safe, private space where you can open up about challenging topics.
- Expecting your therapist to tell you what to do – Your therapist is there to help you see situations in a different light and to listen to you with an open mind.
- Not implementing new strategies outside of therapy sessions – If your therapist suggests strategies or activities to try at home, make sure you practice them between sessions.
At Ascend Healthcare, our experienced family therapists will work with you and your loved ones to help you rebuild trust and work towards a healthier future.
Therapy at Ascend Healthcare
If you’re facing mental health or substance abuse issues with your child, residential treatment may be the answer. Our programs offer comprehensive treatment plans and guidance that can help your child and your entire family system thrive.
Have questions about admissions, therapy programs, or our facilities? Reach out to our team at 310.388.3713 or fill out our online form to get in touch.
