2 Most Common Therapy Myths Debunked by a Real Therapist & How to Start Healing Your Inner Child | Summary and Q&A

Summary

In this episode of the On Purpose podcast, Ashley shares her personal journey of therapy and the transformative impact it has had on her life. She discusses her initial resistance to therapy, her struggles with self-worth and reckless behaviors, and the importance of self-awareness and boundaries. She highlights the differences between seeking support from a friend or family member versus a therapist, and emphasizes the value of listening and non-judgmental support. Ashley also recommends therapy as a lifelong tool for understanding oneself and navigating life's challenges.

Questions & Answers

Q: What initially led Ashley to try therapy?

Ashley initially resisted therapy, believing that no one could understand or help her. However, a life-threatening overdose forced her into therapy, marking the beginning of her journey.

Q: What were Ashley's preconceptions about therapy?

Ashley had limited knowledge about therapy and believed it involved simply discussing feelings and being preached to. However, her actual experience with therapy was quite different.

Q: How did therapy help Ashley in recognizing negative thinking patterns?

Ashley describes therapy as helping her recognize "thinking traps" and negative self-talk. Through therapy, she became more aware of her thoughts and learned to challenge and change them.

Q: Did Ashley experience a significant moment of self-awareness or transformation in therapy?

Ashley explains that therapy and self-awareness are ongoing processes. While there wasn't one specific moment of transformation, consistent practice and reflection gradually led to a higher sense of self-value.

Q: How did Ashley's childhood experiences contribute to her struggles with self-worth and relationships?

Ashley acknowledges that childhood experiences played a significant role in her struggles. Therapy helped her understand the impact of those experiences and work towards healing her wounds.

Q: How did therapy change Ashley's perspective on promiscuous behavior?

Ashley shares that therapy helped her recognize the underlying belief that she had to trade her body for love and acceptance. Through therapy, she learned to value herself beyond her physicality and set boundaries.

Q: What differences did Ashley observe between seeking support from friends/family versus a therapist?

Ashley found that friends and family, while well-meaning, often lacked the depth and understanding needed to support her. Therapy provided a non-judgmental space where she could truly be heard and understood.

Q: Why does therapy involve asking questions?

Ashley explains that therapy involves asking questions to help individuals reflect on their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. It helps them gain deeper self-awareness and understand the reasons behind their actions.

Q: How does therapy help individuals gain empathy and compassion for themselves and others?

Ashley shares that therapy allows individuals to understand and address their wounds, leading to increased self-compassion and ultimately, empathy for others' experiences.

Q: What role does self-awareness play in therapy?

Ashley emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in therapy. Recognizing one's own thoughts, behaviors, and emotions is the first step towards growth and healing.

Takeaways

Therapy can be a transformative journey towards self-acceptance, healing, and greater self-awareness. It provides a safe and non-judgmental space to explore past experiences, challenge negative thinking patterns, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Seeking support from friends and family, while valuable, may not always provide the same depth of understanding and guidance as therapy. By actively engaging in therapy, individuals can gain insight into themselves, build self-compassion, and navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and resilience.