If you’ve never been to therapy, you might picture it as a place where people lie on a couch and confess secrets they’ve never told anyone before. Or perhaps you imagine it’s only for moments of crisis—when someone hits “rock bottom” and needs to be “fixed.”

These are some of the most common misconceptions about therapy. The truth is, therapy is far more varied, everyday, and grounded than people expect.

So, what do people talk about in therapy?

“I don’t know where to start.”

Many people begin therapy unsure of what they’re supposed to say. They might feel awkward or even worry that their problems aren’t “big enough.” This is more common than you’d think. It’s the therapist’s role to help the conversation unfold at a pace that feels safe and respectful.

Starting with anything—your week, your sleep, a recent thought that stuck with you—is often enough. Therapy is not about performing; it’s about being present with what’s going on for you.

“I just feel stuck.”

People often come to therapy when they’re trying to make sense of something that isn’t working in their life. That might be a relationship, a feeling that won’t go away, a decision they’re struggling with, or just a general sense that they’re not themselves lately.

Saying “I feel stuck” is not a weakness. It’s the beginning of curiosity—asking why something feels difficult and what might help shift it.

“I’ve never told anyone this before.”

This doesn’t happen in every session, and it’s not the goal. But sometimes, therapy is the first place someone feels safe enough to speak freely. That could mean talking about a childhood memory, a pattern they’ve noticed in relationships, or a feeling they can’t quite name.

But just as often, people talk about everyday concerns: work stress, parenting struggles, self-doubt, burnout. Therapy is just as much about the present as the past.

“Am I overreacting?”

Many people worry that their feelings aren’t valid or that they’re being “too sensitive.” Therapy provides a space where you don’t need to justify how you feel. Instead of judging your emotions, the focus is on understanding them—where they come from and what they’re trying to tell you.

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Common Misconceptions from People Who’ve Never Been to Therapy

People who haven’t experienced therapy often carry some unhelpful assumptions. Let’s address a few:

1. “Therapy is only for people with serious mental health issues.”

Therapy can be life-changing for people with mental health conditions—but it’s not only for that. Many people seek therapy to understand themselves better, improve communication, manage stress, or make sense of life transitions.

Therapy is not a last resort; it’s often a first step toward self-awareness and clarity.

2. “I should be able to handle things on my own.”

This belief is especially strong among high-achievers or people raised to be “strong.” But asking for support is not a sign of failure. In fact, recognising that something isn’t working and being willing to talk about it takes courage and insight.

Therapy doesn’t replace your strength; it helps you use it more effectively.

3. “I’ll just be complaining the whole time.”

Therapy is not about venting without direction. While you can speak freely, the goal is to understand the patterns, beliefs, and feelings behind what’s happening. You’re not just telling your story—you’re learning to reflect on it, make meaning of it, and sometimes change how it unfolds.

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What Really Happens in Therapy?

What’s said in therapy depends on the person. Some people talk about relationships. Others talk about work, grief, parenting, or identity. Some use therapy to heal from trauma. Others come because they want to stop repeating the same old patterns.

There’s no script. No right or wrong topic. There is no correct formula about what do people talk about in therapy.

At its heart, therapy is a space where you don’t have to filter or perform. It’s a place to hear yourself think—and be heard by someone trained to help you explore what that means.