1. Talking about things DOES help.
Have you noticed how the stigmas around mental health and counseling are beginning to change since celebrities and athletes are bringing awareness to their own struggles? The pursuit of improved mental and emotional health is talked about publicly, more now than ever before. Perhaps you’ve even wondered if counseling really helps or why you would go to see a counselor in the first place.
People go to counseling for many reasons:
They’ve recently lost a loved one or close friend.
They’re undergoing a big change.
They’re having family issues.
They’re feeling overwhelmingly sad or helpless.
They’re using alcohol, porn, and other unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with life stressors.
They feel like they’ve lost control.
They feel like they need to talk to someone.
2. The process of therapy is interactive between the client and the professional counselor.
Clients sometimes believe that when they come to counseling that they’ll share about an issue and then the counselor will talk the rest of the time, give them “advice”, and tell them “how to fix” the problem. But that’s not exactly how it works.
My approach to counseling is more interactive and collaborative. Talk therapy is an important part of the process as you and I together unpack and work through the issues in life that cause you distress. Each session and technique used in therapy is individualized to the client’s needs and where they are individually in the healing process. I typically meet weekly with clients and they practice at home what they’ve learned each session. I’ve found that when I meet weekly with clients, they typically begin to feel better and reach their goals faster.
3. Exploring the past is common in therapy because it is sometimes relevant to what you are currently experiencing.
Perhaps you’ve been in counseling before and have worked a lot on your past - it’s painful and emotionally draining. You’ve been through a lot and are ready to move forward. I get it! - and that’s normal.
By sharing a snapshot of your past with your counselor, you’re helping them learn more about your story and how to best guide you in getting unstuck so you can move forward in a healthier way. However, it is always your choice what information you choose to share or not share during your session.
4. Vulnerability is not a weakness - it’s your superpower.
Giving yourself permission to be vulnerable can help you learn how to start living your life in a healthier and free-er way. We were created to be in relationships with others and if you tend to build your life with emotional stone walls, it can become challenging and difficult - maybe even impossible - to connect with others. Learning how to be vulnerable with safe people in healthy ways (for both you and them) is one of the first steps to breaking through those stone walls and obtaining emotional health and freedom. This takes courage and strength and it IS your superpower!
5. The goal of therapy is to work your counselor out of their job.
I will often share with clients that, “my job is to work myself out of a job”. As a professional counselor, a part of my job is to help equip you with the tools to be your best self. In order to do this, you have to do the heavy lifting in counseling. But, it requires work - on your part. Your job is to show up to your sessions, do the work necessary involved in getting and staying emotionally healthy, and practice the new skills outside of the session. Your professional counselor will use their expertise to guide you along the way.
I hope this helps you challenge any fears or uncertainties you have about counseling. If you are still feeling unsure, call me at 972-761-5800 for a free 15-minute phone consultation.
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