In Bangladesh, therapy is still widely misunderstood -- often seen as a last resort for “serious” mental illness rather than a tool for everyday emotional growth.
Consultant psychologist Tanvir Ahmed Pranto says this misconception continues to prevent many people from seeking timely professional support.
“Most people think therapy is only for severe disorders,” he told the Dhaka Tribune in an interview.
“Many even confuse it with physiotherapy and ask, ‘When will the therapy begin?’ without realizing that the process has already started.”
According to Pranto, because therapy is largely talk-based, people often fail to recognize that structured, guided conversation is itself therapeutic.
While friends and family can offer comfort, he explained, informal advice may be biased and emotionally driven.
Therapy, by contrast, is designed to promote awareness, reflection, and meaningful change -- not simply reassurance.
Another common confusion arises between therapy and meditation.
Pranto emphasized that the two have distinct foundations.
“Meditation is often rooted in religion and philosophy, while therapy is evidence-based,” he said.
Therapeutic methods must be supported by empirical research.
Although mindfulness meditation is integrated into some therapeutic approaches, meditation itself is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
Pranto believes cultural and socioeconomic factors play a significant role in shaping attitudes toward therapy.
Historically, many people have been conditioned to seek help only when problems become overwhelming.
“We live in a crisis-driven society,” he said. “We focus on solving emergencies rather than preventing them.”
Social and religious norms, combined with a tendency to “handle things ourselves,” often discourage professional help-seeking unless symptoms become unmanageable.
For someone unfamiliar with therapy, Pranto describes it as a structured, judgment-free space to untangle complex thoughts and emotions.
“In life, we often manage crises on our own or with loved ones, and that’s commendable,” he said.
“But when thoughts become tangled and overwhelming, professional support becomes necessary.”
Therapy, he explained, helps individuals declutter inner discomforts, understand emotional patterns, and develop healthier coping strategies under guided supervision.
Creating a safe therapeutic space involves both physical and psychological considerations.
Sessions are typically conducted in calm, private settings.
Therapists often sit at a slight angle rather than directly opposite clients to reduce confrontation and foster collaboration.
More importantly, therapists maintain neutrality and a non-judgmental stance, allowing clients to express themselves freely.
Many clients expect quick results, but psychological healing is rarely immediate.
“Emotional struggles don’t develop overnight,” Pranto noted. “So healing also takes time.”
Unlike physical injuries, mental progress is less visible, which can create impatience.
However, he stressed that therapy’s gradual pace mirrors the way emotional challenges develop -- steady, deliberate, and sustainable.
Self-care can be effective during mild stress, but it has limits.
If coping strategies stop working despite consistent effort over weeks or months, professional intervention may be necessary.
“When you notice your usual methods no longer help, therapy can step in where self-help reaches its limit,” he said.
Despite growing awareness, stigma surrounding therapy remains strong.
Pranto argues that as long as therapy is viewed solely as a crisis-management tool, that stigma will persist.
Religious or cultural practices for emotional well-being are not harmful, he said, but they may not always be sufficient.
Therapy should instead be seen as an ongoing process of self-discovery, useful even when life feels stable.
Encouragingly, younger generations appear more open to seeking help.
Most of his clients fall between 20 and 35 years old. Younger individuals are more vocal about mental health, though financial barriers can limit access.
Older generations, he observed, often recognize therapy’s importance but assume it is meant for “others.”
As a psychologist active on social media, Pranto acknowledges that digital platforms have increased awareness about mental health.
However, he warns of the risks of oversimplification and self-diagnosis.
“The internet empowers people with information,” he said, “but without professional verification, it can lead to misjudgments.”
Labeling someone a “narcissist” based on limited online content, for example, may be inaccurate and harmful.
While awareness is valuable, he stressed that reliable understanding requires professional evaluation.
If he could correct one misunderstanding about therapy, Pranto said it would be the belief that therapy should stop once a person feels better.
“Therapy isn’t only for fixing problems,” he said. “It’s also for maintaining balance and emotional well-being.”
Even everyday discomforts and life stresses can be addressed through counseling, he added.
Therapy is not simply about crisis recovery, it is about learning to thrive.
“Recognizing this,” Pranto said, “can make therapy more approachable and enrich how we view our emotional lives.”
