Have you met people who insist it’s better to garden, go to Pilates, or anything other than schedule an appointment with a therapist?

I once knew a woman who bragged that roller-coaster rides were her therapy. I’ve also introduced you to “Janice,” who loves her a bargain.

These excuses have been floating for awhile. So, I compiled them here—along with explanations as to why they are just myths. 

Here are 10 reasons some have relied on to avoid therapy: 

1.   Because  airing dirty laundry is taboo.
Even though some might see a therapist to vent, venting isn’t therapy’s main purpose. A therapist will identify and work on Parts of your soul which might have been neglected, stunted, or abused.

The best part? Therapy’s confidential.

2.     Nobody I know sees a therapist, so I shouldn’t either.
Then engaging a therapist will give you the chance to be a trailblazer—and improve yourself in the process. Win/win.

3.     Therapy is for the mentally ill.
Those grappling with depression, anxiety, or other mental disorders can find therapy beneficial. But seeing a therapist isn’t reserved only for them. Therapy provides an open invitation for anyone who can use a private space with a trained professional to discuss heart matters.

4.     Voicing my concerns gives power to them.
The principle actually works in the opposite direction: if you don’t vocalize what’s been eating you up, they’ll continue their rampage. Restoring control over your life begins by welcoming a trusted individual, like a trained professional, initiate healing for the secret pains you’ve been shouldering alone.

5.     I’ve been stuffing feelings down for a reason.
Repressing feelings might appear to work, but the truth is, it only buys you limited freedom. Those feelings will keep popping up unless you deal with the root cause of your hurt. After all, alerting us of a harmful situation is one of feelings’ functions.

6.     Therapy isn’t mentioned in the Bible.
(Besides, going to church and doing spiritual activities should be enough.)
I’ll quote a former client on this: “Aspirin isn’t in the Bible, yet we use it.” Why not look at therapy similarly?

7.     I can’t trust a therapist because I don’t know the person.
You can up your trust by, for instance, choosing a therapist who shares your faith. Still, consult your gut. Do you feel safe with the professional? If not, share this concern candidly and see how he or she responds. This information can help you decide whether to continue with this particular therapist or not.

8.     Talking about what happened won’t change the past.
Meaning it won’t change the facts? Sure. But processing things from the past alters us in significant ways. For instance, Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory maps a way to unburden us from hurtful memories. The healing resulting from doing IFS therapy is so tangible, your body can feel the difference.

9.     Therapy is too expensive.
There are affordable ways to do therapy, including finding a health insurance with mental health benefits, getting therapy from a pre-licensed therapist or a community mental health center. But here’s the bottom line. Could therapy appear too costly because we undervalue mental health? Human nature will fight for what we deem valuable, even if it involves sacrifices. So how about spending less on shoes or Starbucks to save money for your therapy sessions?

10.  Seeing a therapist would make me look weak.
Would we fling shame at patients who visit their MD to obtain medical help? Then why would we accuse those who visit doctors of the heart—in other words, psychologists and therapists—as showing weakness?