The Top 9 Excuses People Give to Avoid Therapy

John sat in his car just outside the therapist's office, his mind racing with excuses. "I don't have time for this," he thought, glancing at his watch. "I can handle this on my own," he tried to convince himself.

The fear of facing his inner demons and admitting he needed help loomed large.

With a deep sigh, he started the car and drove away, burying his emotions under layers of denial, unaware of the healing and growth he was avoiding by not taking that first step toward seeking mental health support.

Maybe you are John wanting to take that step towards mental health freedom, but the excuses come almost rapid-fire. You find that you’ve talked yourself out of months and even years of the help you know you need.

Today can be the day you flip the script on those excuses, and I hope this article will catalyze a better tomorrow in your life.

 1. "I can’t see the point of going."

The benefits of therapy are manifold. People who attend talk therapy usually gain long-lasting change, the feeling of being understood, better health due to facing repressed emotions, the skills needed to handle future flashbacks or setbacks, a greater ability to express their thoughts, a greater sense of self-worth, a better understanding of who they are and other people, greater empathy, deeper relationships, a rewired brain, a better skill set for handling pain, sorrow, and frustration, reduced stress, better boundary-setting, better equipped to handle new situations, a better ability to choose quality friends over ones who repeat the cycle of abuse, greater peace of spirit, and no longer feeling overwhelmed or overcome by everything.

2. "My last therapist was awful."  

The feeling of being understood can be achieved with a good therapist who listens and supports you effectively. Making the commitment to find a ‘good fit’ will reap benefits that far outweigh the previous experiences.

 3. "No one will understand me."  

Therapy can provide you with a safe space where you can express yourself freely and be truly understood, helping you gain a greater sense of self-worth and deeper relationships.

 4. "I don’t want to feel bad about myself or my life."  

Through therapy, you can work on understanding and accepting yourself better, leading to improved self-esteem and a better understanding of who you are, triggers that impact your decisions, and a self-care plan to overcome that narrative.

 5. "I don’t want to even think about my problems."  

Addressing and processing your problems in therapy can reduce stress and lead to better boundary-setting and greater peace. Healing happens when problems are no longer hidden.

6. "I want to be sure it works."

Therapy can provide you with the skills needed to handle difficult emotions and situations, making you better equipped to handle new challenges and choose quality friends who support your well-being.

7. "I’ll feel judged."  

A good therapist can create a non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment, promoting a sense of safety and understanding.

8. "I don’t want anyone to know that I go to therapy."  

Attending therapy can help you rewire your brain and develop a better understanding of yourself and others, leading to greater empathy and deeper, more fulfilling relationships. Choosing therapy is a powerful decision that places your self-worth, mental health, and well-being firmly in your hands.

9. “Only weak people go to therapy.”

Seeking therapy when we reach our limits is a display of strength. Just like pursuing education for career growth, seeking emotional skills, coping mechanisms, and relationship guidance is a proactive step toward personal development. In addition to strength, therapy is an act of self-care, offering the opportunity for personal growth and a more fulfilling life.

I hope this article shines a light on the thoughts that tend to rise when we set out to change our mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with these excuses and more, please share this article. If you have questions or would like to talk, click here to book a discovery call with me.