This is a question that we often receive from people we meet in public, address in our free introductory consultations, and sometimes even in our first counseling sessions. Various assumptions and stereotypes about counseling can make it challenging to identify if counseling is something you could benefit from. While it could be easy to say, “Yes, everyone does at some point in their life,” more details can help you figure out the best decision for you and where to go from here.
What are some of the common things we help our clients with? Read on to answer the question, “Do I need counseling?”
You’re in a Crisis
This crisis could range from a family member dying, receiving a life-changing medical diagnosis, finding out your spouse committed infidelity, working through an addiction, or any other present obstacle that can make you feel paralyzed and overwhelmed. In these situations, your counselor will help you identify the immediate steps needed for the best action plan, even if it means referrals outside of counseling to support you. This is a reason it is essential to have a counselor who has a strong network of local connections to address a variety of concerns, from legal to medical and beyond. In counseling, you will also start to figure out where you want to go beyond the crisis. The timing and process of this will look different for every person, but the great thing about counseling is that it can be flexible for both short-term and long-term needs. Check out our blog titled “Short-Term vs. Long-Term Therapy” to identify what type of therapy may be beneficial for you.
Process Through Past Events
“I’ve known I’ve needed counseling for a while, but I’m finally here to figure this out.”
This is a phrase we often hear from people who have been through a lot earlier in their life, and while they have been managing, they know life could be better if they processed through things in the past that have happened to them. This could be trauma from childhood or young adulthood. Maybe former religious beliefs or an abusive relationship. These things can cause subtle and significant hindrances to the present quality of life. Sometimes people are unsure what can be improved because they have become so used to a limited way of living. Your counselor can guide you through exploring these past events, identifying how they have impacted you, and helping you decide how and if you want to change these impacts.
Identify Where You Want To Go
The common misconception is that counseling is only about past events or helping people through adverse circumstances. That is not true! One of the other everyday things counselors support clients is helping them figure out where they want to go in their life, career, and relationships. Yes, your counselor can coach you through the next steps of what to take with a holistic lens of keeping YOUR values and goals in mind and pointing out what needs to change for you to get there.
Do you think the answer to “Do I need to go to therapy?” is a “yes?” Contact us today through our contact page to get started!
In the meantime, please look at our articles titled “First Therapy Appointment” and “Getting The Most Out of Therapy” for tips on preparing for your first therapy session and getting the most out of therapy!