Choosing whether to see a counselor or a therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you hear a lot of “myths” floating around. Below are ten truths—grounded in research, clinical practice, and biblical wisdom—that cut through the noise and help you see the real value of professional help.

  1. SEEKING HELP IS NOT A SIGN OF WEAKNESS
    The Bible tells us that “the wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin” (Proverbs 10:14, ESV). Asking for counsel is a sign of wisdom, not failure.

  2. YOU DON’T NEED A FORMAL DIAGNOSIS TO BENEFIT
    Insurance may require a diagnosis for reimbursement, but therapeutic growth can begin long before any label is applied. Many people experience relief simply by having a safe, non‑judgmental space to process thoughts and emotions.

  3. THERAPY IS NOT ONE‑SIZE‑FIT‑ALL
    Different modalities (CBT, ACT, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, etc.) address different needs. A skilled clinician tailors the approach to your unique situation rather than forcing you into a single “model.”

  4. THE THERAPIST‑CLIENT RELATIONSHIP IS THE SINGLE BEST PREDICTOR OF SUCCESS
    Research consistently shows that the quality of the therapeutic alliance outweighs specific techniques in predicting positive outcomes (American Psychological Association, 2023). Trust, empathy, and collaboration are essential.

  5. CONFIDENTIALITY IS LEGALLY PROTECTED
    Except for mandated reporting (abuse, imminent danger), what you share stays between you and your therapist. Paying out‑of‑pocket maximizes privacy, but even with insurance, HIPAA safeguards your records.

  6. NOT ALL “COACHES” ARE LICENSED COUNSELORS
    Titles like “life coach” or “wellness consultant” have no state‑mandated qualifications in Tennessee. While some may be helpful, they are not held to the same ethical and competency standards as LMFTs, LCSWs, or LPCs.

  7. EVERY LICENSE TYPE HAS A SPECIFIC SCOPE

LMFT – focuses on family systems and relational patterns.
LCSW – emphasizes social context and community resources.
LPC – works primarily with individual emotional and behavioral issues.
Understanding these differences helps you match the provider to your goals.

  1. THERAPY CAN BE SHORT‑TERM AND RESULT‑ORIENTED
    You don’t have to commit to years of weekly sessions. Modalities like Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) often produce noticeable relief in just a few appointments (Miller et al., 2022).

  2. SPIRITUALITY CAN BE INTEGRATED SAFELY
    For believers, incorporating biblical principles can deepen meaning and motivation. Ethical clinicians respect your faith while maintaining professional boundaries.

  3. EMERGENCY RESOURCES ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE
    If you ever feel unsafe with yourself or others, call 988, 911, or your local crisis line (e.g., 865‑539‑2409). Immediate help is a right, not a last resort.

GET HELP TODAY

I am Vickie, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Maryville, TN, and I help people from Knoxville and the surrounding communities heal from trauma and adverse life experiences. TN License Number 579. Verify my license here: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/pcmft-board.html

I can help you. Click the link at the top of the page so we can talk.

CITATIONS
American Psychological Association. (2023). Evidence‑Based Treatments for Anxiety and Depression. APA Publishing. (supports the importance of therapeutic alliance and modality selection)
Miller, R. J., et al. (2022). Accelerated Resolution Therapy for PTSD: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 35(4), 456‑466. DOI:10.1002/jts.22789. (clinical evidence for ART’s rapid efficacy)
Proverbs 10:14 (ESV). “The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.”
Proverbs 12:15 (ESV). “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
Proverbs 11:14 (ESV). “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
James 5:16 (ESV). “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”
Focus on the Family. (2023). Living in God’s Peace: Biblical Foundations for Inner Calm. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/peace‑in‑Christ (conservative‑Christian perspective on mental‑health care)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. (2024). 988 Crisis Hotline. https://988lifeline.org/ (emergency contact information)

DISCLAIMER
All clinical content on this website is written or reviewed by Vickie Starkey, LMFT, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in Tennessee since 2005, License Number 579.