Top 5 Myths About Therapy in Cary, NC (and the Truth Behind Them)
There is a lot of misinformation about therapy: what it is, what it isn’t, and who it’s for.
I hear these assumptions every week from professional women in Cary, NC who are considering therapy but feel unsure about taking the next step.
If you’re looking for a broader, step‑by‑step guide to choosing a therapist, you can start with my Complete Guide to Finding the Right Counselor in Cary, NC, which walks through how to narrow your search and feel confident in your decision. In this post, I want to focus on the most common myths that often stop women from starting therapy in the first place and what’s actually true.
Myth #1: Therapists Just Listen and Nod
The truth: Therapy is an active, collaborative process.
One of the biggest misconceptions about therapy is that you talk, the therapist listens, and nothing really changes. Good therapy is much more engaged than that. It should feel like a place where you can unload what’s weighing on you and work with your therapist to understand patterns, challenge assumptions, and practice new ways of responding to your life.
Many of my clients tell me they are looking for more than someone who simply agrees with them. They want insight, perspective, and help creating real change. In my work, the first few sessions are about deeply understanding who you are, what matters to you, and what you want to be different. From there, we identify the “autopilot” patterns that keep showing up — especially around anxiety, overfunctioning, and self‑criticism — and begin experimenting with new options between sessions.
That combination of safety, challenge, and practical application is where therapy becomes transformative. Vulnerability paired with clinical skill is what allows meaningful change to happen.
Myth #2: You Have to Be a “Real Mess” to Go to Therapy
The truth: Therapy is for growth, clarity, and support — not just crisis.
Many women I speak with feel embarrassed that they’re even considering therapy. From the outside, their lives look “fine” or even successful. Internally, though, they feel exhausted, resentful, anxious, or disconnected from the people they care about most.
I often hear some version of: “I feel like I should be able to handle this.” But there is no manual for navigating demanding careers, relationships, motherhood, aging parents, or constant pressure to perform. Doing what you’ve always done — especially when it’s fueled by anxiety or perfectionism — can eventually stop working.
Therapy offers a pause button. It creates space to step back, understand what’s driving your reactions, and decide what you want to keep and what needs to change. You don’t have to be falling apart to benefit from therapy. You just have to be ready for something to be different.
Myth #3: Therapy in Cary, NC Is Impossible to Afford
The truth: There are multiple ways women pay for therapy, and it’s often more flexible than expected.
Therapy costs can feel confusing at first. Some therapists are in‑network with insurance, meaning they bill your insurance directly and you pay a copay. Others, like myself, are private‑pay (out‑of‑network) providers. With private pay, clients pay directly for sessions, but many insurance plans offer out‑of‑network reimbursement.
In my practice, I provide superbills — detailed receipts that clients can submit to their insurance for reimbursement if they have out‑of‑network benefits. Many clients also use HSA or FSA funds, which can significantly offset the cost. While insurance can be helpful, private‑pay therapy often allows for more flexibility, longer‑term work, and fewer restrictions around session limits.
During a consultation, it’s always appropriate to ask about fees, reimbursement, and payment options so you can make an informed decision.
Myth #4: A Therapist Will Judge Me
The truth: Therapy is confidential, ethical, and nonjudgmental.
Licensed therapists operate under a professional code of ethics designed to protect clients and create a safe, respectful environment. Therapy isn’t about telling you what to do or imposing someone else’s values on your life.
In my work, clients set the goals. My role is to help you clarify what matters to you, notice what’s getting in the way, and support you in making changes that align with your values. This is one of the key differences between therapy and advice from friends or family — even well‑intentioned advice often comes with personal bias.
When clients know they won’t be judged, fixed, or pressured, they can show up honestly. That sense of safety is essential for therapy to be effective.
Myth #5: Therapy Takes Forever
The truth: The length of therapy depends on your goals, history, and consistency.
Therapy isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. Some concerns can be addressed in a shorter period of time, while others — especially long‑standing patterns related to anxiety, perfectionism, or overfunctioning — take more space and support to untangle.
In my practice, clients meet weekly through standing appointments. Over my 13‑year career, I’ve found that weekly consistency helps women build momentum, trust the process, and actually integrate changes into their lives. Some clients work with me for six to nine months, while many stay closer to a year when addressing deeper, long‑term patterns.
What matters most is that progress is being tracked, and the work feels purposeful. My goal is always to help clients graduate from working with me. To reach a place where therapy is no longer needed because the skills, insights, and shifts have become part of daily life.
Final Thoughts
If any of these myths have been holding you back, you’re not alone. These concerns come up in nearly every initial consultation I have. The most important thing is bringing your questions and hesitations into the conversation.
Starting therapy often begins with challenging the belief that you should be able to do everything on your own. Letting go of that myth can be the first step toward real, sustainable change.
FAQs About Therapy in Cary, NC
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Therapy can be helpful if you feel stuck, overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or notice patterns you want to change. You don’t need to be in crisis to start therapy. In fact, many people start therapy because something simply isn’t working anymore.
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Yes. Therapy is confidential and guided by strict professional ethics designed to protect your privacy and create a safe space for honest conversation.
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Absolutely. Many clients seek therapy because they appear “fine” on the outside but feel anxious, resentful, or burned out internally. Therapy can help align your inner experience with the life you’ve worked hard to build.
Author Bio
Megan Giroux, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Cary, NC, and the founder of Megan Giroux, LLC. She specializes in anxiety treatment for professional women using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to help clients reduce overwhelm, strengthen boundaries, and reconnect with their values. Megan provides in-person therapy at her Cary, NC office and is passionate about helping women move out of survival mode and into lives that feel sustainable and fulfilling.
Learn more about Megan and her counseling services in Cary, NC