Why People Lie in Therapy

People who lie in therapy do so because: 

• They’re worried about being judged or that the therapist won’t like them.
• They are embarrassed or feel shame about their actions or emotions.
• If they suspect they have a problem with, say, substance use, they’re afraid that they’ll be expected to go to rehab or drug treatment.
• They’re afraid the therapist will find that they have a serious problem such as an eating disorder or sex addiction. It should be noted that many people who engage in self-destructive behaviors also tend to withhold information (your therapist knows this by the way).
• It’s difficult to stay in denial if you’re beginning to voice the truth out loud (and you may not be ready to deal with the consequences).
• They’re afraid of being hospitalized.