Are you scared therapy is burning money?

The idea that therapy is "just paying hundreds of dollars to talk to a friend" is a common myth.

While it might seem that therapy and talking to a friend are similar—both involve sharing feelings and receiving support—there are several key differences that make therapy a far more specialized and effective process.

Unlike a casual conversation with a friend, therapy is a structured, confidential and boundaried process. Sessions are designed to work toward specific goals, whether it’s improving your mood, managing anxiety, processing trauma, or improving relationships. 

I will collaborate with you to set these goals and create a personalized plan. Each session builds on the last, using well-established therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), or Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT).

 Friends, though well-meaning, lack the training or the tools to offer this level of structured, goal-oriented support.

Another major difference is the therapeutic relationship itself. Unlike with friends, therapy creates a safe, non-judgmental space where the focus is entirely on you. Friends, while supportive, often have their own perspectives, biases, or emotional involvement in your life. 

This can lead to advice that, while well-intentioned, is not necessarily helpful or objective. A therapist, on the other hand, remains neutral and impartial, helping you explore your thoughts and feelings without imposing personal opinions. The therapist’s role is to facilitate your own growth, not to give advice from a place of familiarity or personal bias.

Confidentiality is another critical aspect that distinguishes therapy from friendship. In therapy, everything you share is protected by privacy laws, allowing you to be completely open about your struggles without fear of judgment or gossip. 

This sense of safety can allow you to discuss deeply personal or painful experiences that you might not feel comfortable sharing with friends. Knowing that your therapist is bound by confidentiality fosters an environment of trust that’s essential for meaningful progress.

Moreover, therapy is not just about talking; it’s about actively working to change how you think, feel, and behave. 

A therapist doesn’t just listen—they provide strategies, tools, and techniques to help you manage your challenges more effectively. They help you reframe negative thought patterns, process difficult emotions, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. These tools are designed to create lasting change, far beyond the temporary relief you might feel after talking to a friend.

In short, therapy is much more than a conversation. While talking to a friend can provide temporary comfort, therapy offers a deep, lasting impact by addressing the root of the problem in a structured, confidential, and goal-oriented environment. The benefits of therapy extend far beyond what casual conversations can offer, making it an invaluable resource for personal growth and healing.