Top 7 Myths About Therapy: What You Should Know from a Trauma Therapist in Connecticut

Jennifer Laptew Williams, LPC, Master Accelerated Resolution Therapist and trauma therapist in Connecticut

Searching for a trauma therapist in Connecticut can feel overwhelming. You might be navigating personal pain, trying to find the “right fit,” or wondering if therapy is even the right step for you. And just when you decide to look for support, you’re flooded with confusing, conflicting, or downright false information.

As a trauma therapist in Connecticut who specializes in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), I’ve worked with many clients who delayed getting help because they believed common myths about therapy. These myths often create unnecessary shame, confusion, and hesitation.

You deserve healing, support, and clarity. Let’s break down the seven most common myths about therapy so you can make informed, empowered decisions about your mental health journey.

🔗 Learn more about my approach here

Myth #1: You Only Need Therapy If Something Is “Seriously Wrong”

This one’s a biggie. So many people believe that therapy is only for someone in crisis or someone who’s “broken.” But the truth is, therapy isn’t just for emergencies. It’s a space for growth, self-understanding, and navigating life’s everyday stressors with more resilience.

Whether you're coping with trauma, experiencing anxiety, feeling stuck in a career or relationship, or simply craving deeper clarity, working with a trauma therapist in Connecticut can be transformative.

✅ You don’t have to be in a crisis to benefit from therapy, you just have to be human.

Myth #2: Therapy Means Talking About Your Childhood for Years

Some people imagine therapy as lying on a couch rehashing every childhood memory for the next decade. While reflecting on the past can be valuable, especially in trauma therapy, modern approaches often focus more on your present and future.

In my practice, I use Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a highly effective, evidence-based therapy that helps clients resolve trauma and emotional distress quickly, often within a few sessions. It’s designed to move you forward, not keep you stuck. 

🧠 Learn more about ART and how it works here

Myth #3: A Trauma Therapist in Connecticut Will Just Sit There and Nod

A good therapist is not passive. They’re engaged, curious, and committed to your growth. Therapy is a collaborative process. You show up with your story and needs, and I show up with tools, empathy, and clinical expertise.

We work together to explore what's holding you back, uncover patterns, and create strategies for change. I’m not here to simply “listen”, I’m here to help you heal and evolve.

Myth #4: Going to Therapy Means You’re Weak

If anything, the opposite is true.

It takes incredible strength to acknowledge that you need support. To choose healing over hiding. To ask for help when you’re used to pushing through. Therapy isn’t about weakness, it’s about choosing yourself.

As a trauma therapist in Connecticut, I’ve seen firsthand how much bravery it takes to walk through the therapy door. You’re not giving up, you’re showing up.

Myth #5: Therapy Is One-Size-Fits-All

Therapy should never be a cookie-cutter experience. What works for one person may not work for another. That’s why I tailor every session based on your unique needs, goals, and preferences.

If you’re navigating trauma, I might suggest ART. If you’re struggling with anxiety or burnout, we may integrate mindfulness or cognitive-behavioral techniques. This is your journey, and my role is to walk beside you in a way that feels right for you.

🔗 Read more about my personalized trauma therapy services in Connecticut

Myth #6: You Have to Be in Therapy for Years

Long-term therapy can be incredibly beneficial but it’s not the only path.

Many clients see significant improvements in just a few sessions. With focused, trauma-informed approaches like ART, you can find meaningful relief faster than you might expect. Many clients who choose Accelerated Resolution Therapy only work with me for a matter of weeks or months before they are symptom free. 

You’re in control of your therapy journey. Some people come in for a few months to address a specific issue; others choose to work long-term. Either way, you’re not signing a contract, you’re investing in your growth and you are always in the driver’s seat. 

Myth #7: Therapists Just Want to Talk About the Past

This one is tricky because the past can hold important clues. But trauma-informed therapy doesn’t dwell in the past, it builds bridges to the future.

In our work together, we might visit painful memories to heal and resolve them, but our focus is always on moving you forward. How are these past experiences shaping your present reality? And how can we help you reclaim your power, your voice, and your sense of self?

So…How Do You Find the Right Trauma Therapist in Connecticut?

Finding a therapist is a deeply personal decision. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

🔍 1. Look for Specialization in Trauma

Not all therapists are trained in trauma work. Seek someone with specific experience in treating trauma and post-traumatic stress. Look for modalities like ART, EMDR, or somatic therapies.

🔍 2. Read the “About” Page Carefully

The About page should give you a sense of the therapist’s style, values, and training. Does it resonate with you?

🔍 3. Trust Your Gut During a Consultation

Most therapists offer a free phone consultation (including me!). This is your chance to ask questions, share what you’re looking for, and get a feel for whether the therapist is the right fit.

Common Questions About Therapy (And What I Wish More People Asked)

Q: What’s the first session like?
We’ll explore what brings you to therapy, clarify your goals, and start building trust. You’re welcome to share at your own pace.

Q: Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No. Modalities like ART allow you to process trauma without having to retell the whole story.

Q: How often do I need to come?
We’ll decide together. Many clients start weekly and adjust as they progress.

Q: What if I’ve never been to therapy before?
That’s totally okay. I’ll guide you through the process and answer any questions.

Q: What’s ART like?
It’s a brief, eye-movement-based therapy that helps reprocess traumatic memories quickly, often in 1–5 sessions. More on ART here

Q: What types of trauma do you work with?
From single incidents (like car accidents or medical trauma) to complex trauma (like childhood neglect or abuse), I offer compassionate, evidence-based care.

Q: Can therapy help if I feel “numb” or disconnected?
Absolutely. Trauma often shows up in subtle ways like disconnection or shutdown. Together, we can work to bring you back into connection with yourself and the world.

You Deserve Support from a Trauma Therapist in Connecticut

You don’t have to carry it all alone. Therapy isn’t just about “fixing” something, it’s about giving yourself the care, tools, and space to thrive.

If you’re ready to explore trauma therapy in Connecticut, I invite you to reach out. I offer a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can begin to understand yourself more deeply and heal at your own pace.