Feeling more irritable than usual? Feeling overwhelmed with life? Relationships a bit of a mess? Are you just not feeling like you?
Good news! Counseling can help with that.
What can a counselor do for you?
Create Understanding
Provide a safe space for your voice to be heard
Simplify the Complicated
Facilitate Personal Development
How does a counselor do this?
By being….
Compassionate
Patient
Self-aware
Empathetic
Discrete
Encouraging
Authentic
Research orientated
Non-judgmental
What does a good counselor need?
A Master’s or Doctorate degree
State Licensure
A great personality
And a cute pair of shoes ; )
How do I know if need counseling?
1. Are You Alive? Everyone can benefit from counseling. If you are a living human being you are going to have problems in your life. A counselor is a great resource to help you sort out life’s problems. You don’t have to be depressed, anxious, or in a crisis to see a counselor. A couple of sessions with a great counselor can get help you get back on track to living a flourishing life!
2. Feeling Overwhelmed with Life? You know that feeling; “I just can’t do this anymore.” That feeling is telling you, it is time to ask for help. Remember asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Asking for help means you are wonderfully strong. It takes great strength to make a change. Trying something new can be scary and even painful…but (I know this from doing my own personal therapy work for three years) generates great things. Counseling can open the door to endless possibility and potential.
3. Umm this Relationship isn’t Working too Well? Missing emotional intimacy in your marriage, having a hard time connecting with people, family driving your nuts? Marriage, friendship, co-workers, family, all involve people and people can be frustrating and irritating. Helping you develop skills to grow and maintain healthy thriving relationships is something counselors love to do! We want you to love your life and part of loving life is learning how to love yourself and others well. A counselor can help you understand what you are bringing to your relationships, encourage personal growth, and facilitate health relationship changes.
How do I find a counselor?
Get recommendations from people you trust: like a friend, pastor, or area social services.
Look online: most counselors have a website and you can get a feel for what type of therapy they offer and their personality.
Ask for a 15 to 30 minute consultation: Most counselors will offer a free 15-minute consultation. This gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you have and find out if the counselor is a good match for you.
What can I expect from therapy?
At the first session the counselor will assess your current concerns, take a brief medical and mental health history as well as ask you a few questions about your childhood experiences and current family life.
The counselor will give you information about confidentiality, HIPPA, and your legal rights as a patient. You may have to sign some forms for insurance. At this session or the second one, you and your counselor will agree on goals you wish to accomplish in therapy.
Therapy is a co-relationship. The more you are able to be open and honest about your feelings the more you will get out of the therapy experience. You are in the driver’s seat; you can take therapy at any pace you want. Your counselor will offer suggestions but it is up to you to decide what direction you want to take.
But seeing a counselor is so expensive!
Therapy is an investment in you. It is probably one of the best investments you can make.
Think about it this way, if you are being sued you would want to hire the best attorney you could afford. Or if you had to have surgery, you wouldn’t think twice about paying for a good surgeon.
If you find yourself in difficult life situation or are struggling with anxiety or depression you want to hire the best mental health professional you can find. And why…because a counselor is an expert in the study of human change and development who can help you improve your quality of life.
A friend of mine used this illustration: If you were going to explore a cave you would hire a tour guide. You may know a bit about caves but a tour guide can educate you on the history of the cave, point-out elements of the cave you may have not noticed or knew about, guide you through the cave so you don’t get lost, and more importantly show you the way out! A counselor is your tour guide helping you through the complexities of life.
If you are still hesitant about the fee talk to your counselor. Most counselors are willing to negotiate a fee that works within your budget.
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