5 Common Myths about Psychotherapy

There are many common myths about psychology and mental illness, some of which are tied to the history and cultural beliefs about mental health in each community. Sadly, these myths transcend time and continue to be a barrier to people getting the help needed to improve their overall mental well-being. In this blog, we examine five of these myths within the context of the Caribbean environment.

The Caribbean islands share common historical experiences with colonialism, the strong influence of the church, beliefs in the supernatural and natural remedies, and close-knit family relations extending beyond biological connection (Jessop, 2021). As such common misconceptions on psychology and mental health must be considered within the unique historical and cultural behaviors that embo common misconceptions of psychology myths about therapy dy Caribbean Psychology. Colonialism, for example, resulted in an encoded distrust of outsiders, while religion created a space for acceptance to obtain peace and blessings. Beliefs in the supernatural and reliance on nature for healing allowed understanding and created action. However, these sociocultural beliefs challenge the notion that cognitive and emotional imbalances, could be legitimate health concerns, rather they develop myths that evoke fear and discrimination. Poor mental health is thus traditionally viewed as weakness, lack of commitment to God, or a shameful association with unnatural practices (Gallimore et. al., 2023).

Over time some myths have grown stronger, while others became extinct. Here are some common myths about psychology and mental health that challenge help-seeking behaviors:

1. Only “crazy people” need mental health services.

This perhaps is the most common myth and the biggest deterrence to getting help. The earlier period in psychiatric care for those severely mentally ill is forever etched in the minds of Caribbean people making them still wary of any association with mental health care today. Hickling (1988) referenced the term “lunatic” which was used in those earlier days to identify anyone receiving care in the Lunatic Asylums, where the common form of treatment was restraint.

Facts:  

The landscape of care and the recognition of varying severity of mental health issues has changed. Currently, mental health services are a necessity for everyone. You don’t need to have a severe mental health diagnosis to see a mental health provider and institutionalization is rare. Life gets more complicated with time and the mounting responsibilities can make it difficult to balance it all. Mental health providers spend a lot of time helping clients achieve a balanced, more manageable lifestyle.  

2. Seeking help is a sign of weakness.

Society responds favorably to people viewed as strong and independent. For this reason, many people avoid seeking help because of concerns that others will see them as “weak”. There is a common myth that we need to solve our problems alone, without help. This myth is most experienced by males. In the Caribbean, a man is defined by his ability to stand alone and hide his emotions. Working with a therapist goes against this machismo definition. 

Fact:

The reality is that nothing defines strength, discipline, and commitment like the change that comes from mental health counseling. Therapy is hard work; it is a life-changing and emotional journey. It requires perseverance, which epitomizes strength. The task of looking at the unpleasant sides of ourselves and accepting who we are takes courage.

3. My problem should be solved after one visit.

A common question I am asked on every initial consultation is ‘Do I need more than one session?’ Mental health service in the Caribbean is still in its infantile stage and many people do not understand that a therapeutic journey of change is not a one-time sit-down and have a tea moment. The myth is enhanced with the comparison of mental health care to that of a visit to your general doctor, where you walk away with a prescription for medication. 

Fact:

When we consider that most people visit their mental health care provider as a last resort, we realize that the problems faced would have existed for a long time before coming into therapy. The process of change takes time. We do not wake up overnight and think, feel, or behave differently. In therapy, we are given tools that we practice to create positive shifts. 

But it is important to note that therapy is not forever. The client and therapist should outline the parameters to check progress and discharge from care. 

4. There is no confidentiality.

Many of my clients share their trauma of speaking to a friend, family member, or church leader about their issues and then hearing it repeated in the public domain. This has led to distrusting the notion of sharing with others. This fear has extended to therapy and is another common myth about psychology and mental health care services. 

Fact: 

A required training that all qualified therapists must undertake and sign an agreement to is the profession's ethical codes. Confidentiality is a sacred ethical code. Adherence to this as well as the limits to it, must be a primary focus of every client’s first therapeutic session. Failure to uphold this sacred oath represents failure in one’s duty. Clients should hold therapists accountable for this. 

5. Therapy is expensive.

The average cost for most professional services starts from $100.00 upwards and therapy as a professional service is no exception. The cost for this professional service gets higher based on the experience, specialty, mode of therapy, and even the therapy time. This can make mental health care services costly for some people, but still attainable. 

Fact:

There are many options to reduce your therapy cost, a favorable one is to budget ahead of time. Therapy is an investment in your mental health and just like we budget for those big ventures, an investment in working on your life and meeting your full potential, requires similar budgeting. Exploring your options is another cost-reducing strategy, as many workplaces now offer mental health support as part of their EAPs, some providers also have payment plans, or sliding fee scales, which can facilitate your budget. At PCCS we also provide financial assistance that potential clients can apply for. Contact us to request an application form. 

Next steps.

There are many myths around mental illness, creating an avenue for discrimination, and making it difficult for anyone struggling to get readily available help. Debunking these myths starts with a conversation with a mental health care provider. Schedule a free consultation, get answers to your questions, share your concerns, and find a therapist that feels like a good fit for your needs. Therapy could be one of your wisest investments in yourself.  

References:

Gallimore, J. B., Gonzalez Diaz, K., Gunasinghe, C., Thornicroft, G., Taylor Salisbury, T., & Gronholm, P. C. (2023). Impact of mental health stigma on help-seeking in the Caribbean: Systematic review. PloS one, 18(9), e0291307. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0291307

Hickling, F., (1988). Psychiatry in the Commonwealth Caribbean: A brief historical overview. Psychiatric Bulletin. 12. 434-436. 10.1192/pb.12.10.434.

Jessop, N. (2021). Caribbean SHIFT: A Theory of Cultural Identity for Caribbean People and Diaspora. In: Adams, B.G., van de Vijver, F.J.R. (eds) Non-Western Identity. Identity in a Changing World. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77242-0_5