The Top 8 Myths about counseling, coaching, psychotherapy, and therapy in Tacoma, WA

Are you considering finding a therapist in Tacoma? But maybe you have some questions first?

Hi, I’m Kate Hagborg, LMHC, your friendly Tacoma therapist, and I’m here to help!

Counseling is an incredible tool for personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. Unfortunately, many people avoid therapy due to common misconceptions. Today, let’s clear up some of these myths so you can make informed decisions about your mental health.

1. Counseling Is Only for People With Serious Mental Health Issues

Many people believe that therapy is only for those struggling with severe mental health conditions like depression or anxiety disorders. You may be wondering, “Do my problems really compare to other people’s?” “Will a therapist just think I’m making a big deal over nothing"?”

In reality, people seek therapy for all kinds of reasons—stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, career transitions, or even self-improvement. Therapy is for everyone. A good therapist will never judge you for taking a brave help to make yourself better. And they won’t compare you to anyone either. Counseling can be an excellent way to get to know yourself better, improve your relationships, practice self-care, and more.

2. A Therapist in Tacoma, WA Will Just Listen and Not Offer Solutions

Some people think that therapy is just talking without any real advice or guidance. However, therapists use evidence-based techniques to help clients develop coping strategies, reframe negative thinking, and create actionable plans to improve their lives. Sometimes we may use talk therapy in sessions, and sometimes your therapist may introduce other tools to help you get to the root of your issue and experience positive changes.

As a therapist in Tacoma, one evidence-based technique I like to use that gets rapid, lasting, and deep results is something called brainspotting therapy.

What is Brainspotting Therapy?

Brainspotting is an innovative approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy by working with both the mind and the body. This method helps clients access and process deeply stored trauma by using eye positions to activate the brain’s natural healing abilities. Brainspotting can be especially effective for people who feel stuck in talk therapy or struggle with anxiety, PTSD, and emotional blocks. But it’s effective at helping people break through to new levels of performance, work through relationship issues, feel more grounded, and increase their sense of peace in their daily lives.

To read more about brainspotting therapy in Tacoma, WA, check out these articles: Cultivating Self-Compassion Through Brainpsotting and How to Prepare for a Brainspotting Session.

3. If I’m Strong, I Shouldn’t Need Therapy

Thankfully, this myth is fading out more and more considering al the work recent generations have done in destigmatizing therapy and prioritizing taking care of one’s mental health. However, some people still believe that seeking therapy means they are weak.

In truth, asking for help takes immense strength. Even the “strongest people”—professional athletes, CEOs, and first responders, for instance—seek therapy to maintain their mental well-being. A therapist in Tacoma, WA can provide valuable support for anyone. Many highly successful individuals, including entrepreneurs, artists, and public figures, use therapy to maintain emotional balance and clarity. Therapy isn’t about weakness—it’s about self-improvement and growth.

4. Therapy Takes Years to See Results

You’d be surprised how much progress you can make in just a few short sessions. Short-term, goal-focused therapy can be highly effective for overcoming stress, anxiety, and relationship challenges.

In general, I tell clients they should experience some degree of positive change in their life within 4 sessions. While some issues require long-term therapy, these changes are a process and there are some benefits you can begin reaping early on in the journey.

It’s good to hold this in tension with knowing that healing is a process. Some things we come to therapy to address were years or decades in the making, and it’s understandable that thorough healing may also take time. But you shouldn’t have to wait forever to see some results.

5. Talking About My Problems Will Make Them Worse

Some people avoid therapy because they fear talking about their struggles will intensify their emotions. You may have heard of the term “toxic positivity.” This is when someone is probably well-meaning, and tries to “focus on the bright side” so much so that they end up suppressing, denying, or invalidating difficult feelings. Research shows that suppressing feelings often leads to greater distress. Just because you are acknowledging what is hard or painful doesn’t mean that you’ll end up stuck there. A skilled therapist helps clients process emotions in a healthy way, making them feel lighter and more in control.

6. A Therapist Will Judge Me

The fear of being judged keeps many people from seeking help. However, therapists are trained to provide a non-judgmental and safe space where clients can express themselves openly and honestly. My biggest goal in working with people is to create a safe and comfortable environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a shame-free space. Feeling empathy and compassion from someone like a therapist can pave the way for us to experience more self-compassion, which is another helpful outcome from therapy.

7. Counseling Is Too Expensive

Many people worry about the cost of therapy, especially if a therapist does not accept insurance. However, there are ways to make therapy more affordable:

• Out-of-Network Benefits: Many insurance plans offer out-of-network reimbursement, which means you can see a therapist who doesn’t take insurance and still get partial reimbursement.

• Superbills: I and many out-of-network therapists in Tacoma, WA provide a superbill (a detailed invoice for your insurance company), which you can submit for potential reimbursement.

• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): These accounts allow you to use pre-tax dollars for therapy sessions.

To find out about your insurance reimbursement for out-of-network mental health therapy, call the 1-800 number on the back of your insurance card. Ask them if you have coverage for out-of-network mental health and what it is. Ask if you have to meet a deductible first. And ask if they cover telehealth and in-person therapy equally.

8. If I Start Therapy, I’ll Have to Go Forever

There are a lot of better hobbies than going to counseling! Therapy isn’t a lifetime commitment. Many people benefit from short-term therapy, while others choose to continue for ongoing support. The duration of therapy depends entirely on your personal needs and goals. For me, within the first two sessions, my clients and I develop a treatment plan, which is like a roadmap to your goals. We determine what your goals are and how your life will look when you meet those goals. That way we can assess your progress along the way. From the beginning, we will talk about what it would look like for you to be ready to eventually graduate therapy, and work toward you seeing those positive changes together.

Find a Therapist in Tacoma, WA Who Fits Your Needs

If you’re considering finding a therapist in Tacoma, WA, don’t let these myths hold you back. Whether you’re interested in traditional counseling or specialized approaches like brainspotting therapy, finding the right therapist in Tacoma, WA can help you navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence. Ready to take the next step? Contact me today to schedule a consultation.