by KC Kelly, Ph.D., LMHC

http://DOCintheBiz.com

Is there a social stigma associated with the words psychotherapy, therapy, and counseling?  I believe the answer is an irrefutable YES!! Why? Well, dating back many years in history, people with mental or emotional disorders were seen as “crazies”, “lunatics”, or “psychopaths”. They were cast aside, ridiculed, and even sent away out of their communities. Quite barbaric if you ask me, but people didn’t know how to deal with anything out of the ordinary and so the fear that went along with that line of thinking, made people reject and scorn those with emotional issues.

Times have definitely changed, however, and we should be happy we live in an era where mental illness still has its stigma, but nothing like years past. There still seems to be, however, an indignity against the words psychotherapy, therapy, and counseling, but I think the word “psychotherapy” in particular scares people in a serious way.

Let’s try to break down what the word “psychotherapy” means.

Psychotherapy, according to dictionary.com means, “The treatment of mental and emotional disorders through the use of psychological techniques designed to encourage communication of conflicts and insight into problems, with the goal being relief of symptoms, changes in behavior leading to improved social and vocational functioning, and personality growth.”

Semantics plays a HUGE role in way people view psychotherapy, so when I refer to mental disorders, I prefer to use the term “emotional issues”. This seems to make most people feel more at ease. Whatever word you choose to use, that’s just fine. Decatastrophize and use words, phrases or whatever you need to do to make yourself realize that seeking help means talking about your issues, changing your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and finding ways to be a better person to live a happier and healthier life.

In the days when I used to work in a psychiatric hospital, many of the patients there would feel ashamed and embarrassed to be in the institution. When I would run my groups, one of the first things I would impart upon these patients is that they were the smart ones, the fortunate, the blessed ones to be in the hospital getting help for a happier and healthier future, unlike others who are suffering alone in silence and no help. Of course, this is an easier thing to say than to do. I truly believed my words to them, and when they left the hospital, they were not only feeling better, stabilized on medications, “armed” with tons of coping skills to deal with their issues, but they also left with a huge support group of people who were only a phone call or email away. Their support system was comprised of the professionals who helped them, as well as other patients who had gone through treatment with them.

So, it’s really your choice. I’m not saying to enter into a psychiatric hospital by any means. It was just an example of the most intense treatment and how even that could be broken down to say, “Hey, you know what? It’s not all that bad.”

In spite of everything, it all comes down to you and the ones who love and support you. Be whole for yourself so that you can be whole for your loved ones. Forget about what other people think, say, feel about you getting the help you need. Afterall, everyone deals with issues and you may have no idea with what the person you think is judging you is dealing and he/she may not be as “lucky” as you are to be strong enough to stand against the stigma of psychotherapy and CHANGE THEIR LIVES for the better.

So, I ask as I did at the beginning of this article, “Is there a stigma associated with the words psychotherapy, therapy, and counseling?”  Yes, but I hope this article has diminished the social stigma a little bit, for at least whomever is reading!

Please visit me at http://DOCintheBiz.com for mental health self help links and the opportunity to email me for professional and confidential help with any concerns you may have. You are never alone!

Dr. KC
http://DOCintheBiz.com

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