Psychotherapy is a type of treatment in which a trained therapist or counsellor talks with a person, a couple, or a group of people. Its main goal is to improve mental health and deal with a wide range of emotional and social problems. People can learn more about their thoughts, feelings, and actions through these therapy conversations, which can lead to better mental health and ways to deal with problems. Psychotherapy can help with issues like anxiety, depression, addiction, PTSD, and problems in relationships. It helps people deal with life's problems in better ways by making them more aware of themselves, making it easier to change bad habits, and promoting healthier ways to deal with life's problems. Psychotherapy uses many different methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalytic therapy, and humanistic therapy. Each method is tailored to the client's needs.

Why do people think that going to see a counsellor is a big deal?

• Stigma - Some people are afraid of being called "crazy" or "weak" if they say they see a therapist.
• Myths about treatment and what it can do for you - Therapy can be seen as a big problem if people have the wrong ideas about it and what it can do for them.
• Cultural and social norms - Some cultures may think that getting help for mental health is a sign of weakness or that personal problems should be hidden.
• Fear of being judged - Worries about what other people will think can keep people from getting help.
• How you see yourself - Some people may see asking for help as a personal failure or sign of weakness. It is very important to put an end to these myths and spread the idea that going to a counsellor for help is a good and brave step towards better mental health. Therapy can be a very helpful way to get help, direction, and support.

The false ideas about therapy:

• Therapy is only for people who have been through very bad things - Therapy can help everyone, no matter how bad their past situations were. It can help people deal with daily problems, make better bonds with other people, lower stress, and improve their overall health.
• Therapists can read thoughts or solve all problems with magic - Therapists are trained professionals who try to help and guide people, but they can't do either of those things. The person must work hard and take an active role in the therapy process.
• Therapy is a short-term solution - Therapy is not just a quick fix. It takes time and hard work to make big changes and improvements that last. It is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
• Psychotherapy is just for "crazy" people - One of the most important misconceptions is that care is only for people with very bad mental health. In reality, counselling is for anyone who wants to grow and improve as a person and is dealing with stress, relationship troubles, or other worries about life.
• Therapists judge or criticize - Therapists are trained to be helpful and not to judge their clients. They are not there to judge, but to help.
• Therapy is only for one person at a time - Therapy can also help groups, families, and two people who are in a relationship. It's not just for one person.

A client who believed that therapy is only for "crazy" people:

Sarah was a young professional with a tough job who was going through a lot of stress and worry. She thought that therapy was only for people with serious mental problems and that going to treatment was a sign of weakness. Sarah finally decided to get help for her anxiety, which was getting worse and hurting her relationships and job. She started seeing Dr. Saima Zaidi, a caring and committed psychotherapist and counselling psychologist. Sarah was nervous at first, but Dr. Zaidi told her that counselling was a way to help her grow as a person, not a way to judge her mental health. Sarah finally came to the conclusion that counselling had taught her very useful ways to deal with stress, boost her self-esteem, and improve her communication skills. She began to see therapy as a place where she could learn important lessons and see things from a different point of view. Sarah's relationships got better, she did better at work, and she became a big advocate for getting help when you need it. Her success story showed that therapy can help anyone who wants to live a better, more fulfilling life, not just people who are in trouble. Understanding these stereotypes will make more people more likely to go to counselling to get the help and direction they need, removing the stigma and false ideas that surround it. Remember that therapy is a choice you make for yourself and that it can be a good way to help yourself, your mental health, and your general well-being. It is important to clear up these myths and misunderstandings about therapy so that people can be more open and enthusiastic about it.