Starting therapy for the first time can bring a mix of emotions: hope, anxiety, curiosity, maybe even fear. For many people — especially those from communities that stigmatize mental illness — therapy can feel unfamiliar or even intimidating. At The Social Work Concierge, we believe therapy should feel safe, sacred, and empowering — not mysterious or clinical.
Let’s break down some of the most common myths about therapy sessions and replace them with the realities of what you can expect, especially in a culturally humble, trauma-informed setting.
💭 MYTH #1: “Therapy is just talking about your feelings.”
✅ REALITY: Therapy is about understanding patterns, processing pain, and learning new skills.
While you may talk about your emotions, therapy also involves:
- Identifying unhealthy thought patterns
- Exploring past experiences that shaped you
- Learning coping tools for stress, anxiety, and trauma
- Building boundaries and self-compassion
Your therapist helps you connect the dots — not just vent.
💭 MYTH #2: “The therapist will tell me what to do.”
✅ REALITY: Therapy is a collaborative process — not advice-giving.
A good therapist doesn’t give orders. They:
- Ask thoughtful questions
- Offer perspective
- Reflect your strengths
- Empower you to make your own choices
Your healing is led by you — the therapist walks beside you, not ahead.
💭 MYTH #3: “If I don’t cry, I’m not doing it right.”
✅ REALITY: Every session looks different — and that’s okay.
Some sessions are deep and emotional. Others are reflective, practical, even light-hearted. Progress isn’t measured in tears — it’s measured in awareness, resilience, and growth.
💭 MYTH #4: “I have to tell everything in the first session.”
✅ REALITY: You set the pace — there is no rush.
The first few sessions are often about:
- Getting to know each other
- Sharing goals for therapy
- Discussing boundaries, safety, and support
You don’t have to share your deepest wounds on day one. Safety takes time.
💭 MYTH #5: “Therapy is only for people who are really struggling.”
✅ REALITY: Therapy is for anyone ready to heal, grow, or explore.
You don’t need to “hit rock bottom” to seek support. Therapy can help you:
- Navigate transitions
- Process racial or religious trauma
- Manage burnout or anxiety
- Build emotional intelligence and self-worth
Healing doesn’t require crisis — just courage.
🧠 So… What Does a Therapy Session Look Like?
At The Social Work Concierge, here’s what you can generally expect:
- Check-In – A grounding moment to share how you’re doing
- Goal Setting – Identifying what you’d like to explore or accomplish
- Deep Work – Guided discussion, insight, skill-building, or processing
- Reflection – Making meaning out of what emerged
- Closing – A supportive wrap-up and optional between-session practice
Each session is tailored to you, your culture, your pace, and your story.
🖤 Final Thought: Therapy Should Feel Like a Safe Space to Return to Yourself
You’re not “too broken,” “too late,” or “too much.”
You don’t have to explain your culture or justify your pain.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
At The Social Work Concierge, LLC, we provide therapy that honors your identity, your trauma, and your strength — with cultural humility and compassion.
📍 Virtual therapy available across Michigan
📞 Call/Text: (616) 345-0616
🌐 www.socialworkconcierge.com 📧 leonica@socialworkconicerge.com
🖤 Healing should never be a privilege. Let’s make it a priority.
The Social Work Concierge, LLC 
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