The Top #4 Myths about Therapy in Seattle
It can be really hard to try to find a therapist in Seattle when you aren’t feeling like yourself. Many providers don’t return calls, emails or other inquires. It’s important to know there are people who care out there. I’m here to help. Here are some common myths about finding a therapist in Seattle.
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Myth #1: There are no therapists in the city
There’s actually a decent amount of therapists in Seattle. We are lucky to live in a place that encourages mental health support. However, therapists are often overworked and underpaid because of internalized institutionalized servanthood. Early in our careers, it’s often taught and encouraged for people to sacrifice themselves to help others. This leads to unsustainable business models, people barely hanging on, not returning calls, or leaving the profession all together. It is true that more people are leaving the profession than entering it.
Myth #2: There are no therapists in Seattle that specialize with my specific issue.
It can be so hard to find the right fit for your needs, but chances are those providers are looking for you just as you are looking for them! As we therapists specialize in different areas, we are passionate about helping people in our specialities. Sometimes it’s knowing what to search for to find the right fit. Let me know if you need help with this!
Myth #3: A therapist in Seattle is just there to listen and nod their heads.
If that is all your therapist is doing, you need to fire them and look elsewhere. Listening is an important part of therapy, but it's one of many things that happen. When we work together, it’s a collaborative, dynamic relationship that is actively supporting you towards peace and wellbeing.
Myth #4: Going to the gym every day is just like going to see a therapist in Seattle.
Movement is great! Ideally taking care of yourself will entail a well rounded approach. Relying on one action to change your life is wishful thinking whether that’s going to the gym, meditating, a relationship, or something else. Research shows that therapy combined with other self care behaviors gives clients the best shot at feeling better.
In addition, here are some frequently asked questions I hear from people about therapy:
Why don’t therapists call me back?
Most therapists work really hard to serve their clients well. Unfortunately, the system has taught them part of being a ‘good’ therapist is often sacrificing healthy boundaries. In the current system, many therapists accept low reimbursement rates from insurance and thus have to take on a large caseloads in order to try to meet their financial goals. This often leaves therapists with no time and feeling burnt out. Thus, their ability for any other contact is limited.
Why is therapy so expensive?
Mental health still isn’t widely accepted as important in our society. What society deems as unimportant isn’t supported financially. Insurance companies prioritize profits over people and reimburse providers very little with few or no increases. Due to these and many other factors, therapists are the lowest paid masters degree. The system is broken for both providers and clients. In order to provide quality client care and be able to sustain business long term, the price of therapy will increase. There’s also work outside of session that isn’t paid, such as marketing, documentation, continuing education, networking, consulting, and many more activities.
What do I do if my therapist isn’t a good fit?
Not everyone gels and that’s okay. It’s important you find someone with whom you feel safe and can be yourself. If you feel up to it, you can discuss your concerns with your therapist. They may be able to give you a referral to someone who is a better fit. You are also absolutely free to find someone else on your own.
Can I just go to anyone for this issue I’m having?
It depends. It’s important to find a provider who specializes in working with your specific issue. Imagine you have a foot problem and instead of going to a podiatrist you went to a pediatrician. Both are doctors, but they do different things. Therapists are a bit like that. Do your research, ask questions, and be an informed consumer.
Is online therapy as effective as in person therapy?
For many years, research has shown that online therapy is just as effective as in person therapy. Of course there are some situations and clients who are not appropriate. This is part of the conversation between you and your therapist as to what is the best fit. Most of my clients enjoy the accessibility online therapy grants them. Plus, you can then see anyone licensed in your state.
Will I have to be in therapy forever?
No. Most people go to therapy for a specific concern, we address that concern and they return to their lives. People can always return if needed. There are people who enjoy being in therapy long term, but most clients aren’t. There are also different theoretical orientations that focus more on long term involvement.
What exactly is confidentiality?
Confidentiality means what you tell your therapist stays between the two of you. The only exceptions are if you are going to hurt yourself or others or suspect abuse or neglect and in that case we are mandated reporters. This is one of the most important legal and ethical requirements of our field and is taken very seriously. Therapy is special in this regard.
Are there any free or low cost options in Seattle?
Absolutely. I’m a proud graduate of Pacific Lutheran University who offers the Couple and Family Therapy Center and offers low fee sliding scale therapy from it’s graduate students. Other local resources I’ve listed below.
PLU Couple and Family Therapy Clinic. https://www.plu.edu/mft/the-couple-and-family-center/
Open Path Collective. https://openpathcollective.org
Seattle Anxiety Specialists—Low Fee Program, Free Couple and Family Therapy
MEND Seattle. https://mendseattle.com
https://thelovelandfoundation.org
I hope this helps you find the right therapist in Seattle. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at 206-965-9885 or schedule a free 15 minute consultation on my website. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for therapy in Seattle, check out my specialties: infertility, pregnancy loss, medical trauma, health issues, and grief.
Check out my other blog posts about finding a therapist in Seattle:
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