Theodora Stolz, a psychologist who holds a Ph.D. from Hofstra University, says that she is interested in people and is there to help them. She says that her clients are sometimes surprised by her appearance but quickly come to accept her. "I am known for being bohemian," she says, but she makes it clear that she has the same problems as everyone else.

There are many myths that still surround mental health therapy, says Theodora Stolz, a psychologist, and one of the things that she tries to do is dispel as many as possible. Too many people, for example, still think that therapy is for people with serious mental health issues. But nothing could be further from the truth. Eighty percent of people have mental health issues of one kind or another, she says, and would benefit from having therapy. "All people should get a psychological physical, like a medical one yearly."

Another myth, she says, is that therapists are all about making a lot of money. Theodora Stolz, a psychologist, says she cannot speak for an entire profession, of course, but that in her experience that simply is not true. "I love people, and people and interaction is more important to me than money."

She says that another common misconception about therapy is that is really boils down to a lot of common sense. But common sense, says Theodora Stolz, is something that applies to just about everyone, whereas therapy provides the patient with insight that is unique to their particular situation.

A related myth is the idea that therapy is not necessary if you have a network of friends to talk to. But Theodora Stolz says that while friends are incredibly valuable, there are reasons why they are no substitute for a trained therapist. For one thing, therapists can diagnose and treat cognitive, emotional, and behavioral issues, and even well intentioned friends are simply not equipped to provide the degree is insight necessary for genuine improvement. Moreover, people are more likely to be guarded around their friends, whereas in therapy they are encouraged to really let all of their feelings out.

Finally, one of the most persistent myths is that only weak people have to see a therapist. This, says Theodora Stolz, a psychologist, can be a sad, even tragic myth. And in fact, the opposite is true: getting help for your problems is a sign of strength; it means that you are taking action to fix something.