Propaganda I’m not falling for as an anxiety therapist
READ TIME : 4 min
“Therapy is only for when things are bad”
Unfortunately, the medical model reinforces this because insurance won’t pay unless you meet criteria for a disorder. But in every other area of health, we focus on prevention. You don’t wait until you have diabetes to start exercising. Same idea here.
“Medication is the easy way out”
I’m not big on benzos for panic disorder, but SSRIs can be incredibly helpful for anxiety, panic, and OCD. They’re like training wheels. You still have to do the hard work in therapy, but they can help you get started and stay steady.
“If you’re using your skills, you shouldn’t need therapy again”
I don’t think therapy should be forever. But life changes, and it’s normal to come back when something new pops up. I actually admire people who do. It shows self-awareness, not failure.
“Your therapist will tell you what to do in big life decisions”
I’ll teach you skills and support you, but you are the expert in your life. You have way more data than I do. My job is to help you feel confident making your own decisions now and in the future.
“Trans rights are up for debate”
Nope. Not up for debate. Full stop. This is also part of my ethical code.
“Exposure therapy is cruel and makes people worse”
It feels counterintuitive. Doing what makes you anxious on purpose? But the research is clear. Exposure therapy works. It’s not about being cruel. It’s about teaching your brain that you’re safe without your usual safety crutches.
“People should just leave violent relationships”
If only it were that simple. Domestic violence is complex. Finances, kids, safety concerns. Telling someone to “just leave” ignores the reality of those barriers.
“DEI cuts aren’t racist”
Even if they’re not intended to be, it’s hard to see them as anything but.
“Autism is a tragedy (or whatever RFK Jr said)”
I reject this idea completely, and all the harmful rhetoric that comes with it. Autism isn’t caused by vaccines. The original study claiming that was proven fraudulent. Autism is not a tragedy.
“All dieting is bad”
This one’s nuanced. Dieting can easily slide into disordered territory, but nutrition and exercise matter. Physical health impacts mental health too. It’s about balance, not extremes.
“The diagnosis you give in the first session is accurate”
Insurance companies require a diagnosis after just one session, but that’s not enough time. It should be a working diagnosis at best. Honestly, we shouldn’t have to diagnose anyone on day one.
“All therapists are trained to treat panic and OCD”
Nope. Just like your primary doctor isn’t doing your brain surgery, not all therapists are trained in evidence-based treatment for panic or OCD. Specialization matters.
“Christmas lights shouldn’t go up before Thanksgiving”
I respectfully disagree. I’d keep them up all year if my husband would let me.
“Therapists should be blank slates”
Therapy works best when there’s real rapport. That means showing up as a real person. Not turning it into therapy for the therapist, but being human enough to build trust.
Hi, I’m Michelle
I’ve been working in mental health since 2010 and struggling with anxiety for oh, idk, maybe my entire life.
And with my lived experience having anxiety, I know what works, what doesn’t, and what makes things feel worse. In here, you’re not alone, and I’ll work with you to shed the shame along with the anxiety. And by using evidence-based practices, I’ll help you recover, not just feel better.