Reasons To Talk To A Counselor About Your Mental Health
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Many people understand that caring for your physical health is essential. If you have a persistent cough or pain in your knees, you might visit the doctor to check it. However, many people may feel differently about mental health. Due to common mental health myths and stigmas, people might not reach out for therapy until they feel they can no longer bear their symptoms.
Many people recognize the importance of caring for their physical health and seek help when needed. However, when it comes to mental health, individuals may hesitate due to common myths and stigmas. They might not decide to reach out to a counselor or explore available resources like peer support until their symptoms become unbearable.
However, counseling can be a beneficial prevention strategy for various mental health crises, and you don't have to have severe concerns to see a therapist. Studies have shown that mental and physical health are heavily connected, as well. A persistent mental health challenge that goes untreated may lead to headaches, stomachaches, or other distressing sensations. Chronic stress can also lead to inflammation and physical disease. Mental healthcare is healthcare.
Below are a few reasons people might reach out to a counselor and how a therapist can benefit you.
Reasons to consult a counselor
Many people might feel that they shouldn't seek a counselor if they can manage on their own. However, being able to care for yourself doesn't necessarily reflect your personal growth or learning. Counselors can help you figure things out, not only serving as support for those with severe mental illness.
Whether you're looking for relationship advice, struggling with depression, or feeling confused about a significant decision in your career, a professional might benefit you. People seek counseling for a variety of reasons, from minor to severe.
A few common reasons you might talk to a counselor can include the following:
- Conflict with a partner
- Family communication challenges
- A new job
- A new baby
- Making a significant decision
- Life stressors, like moving or considering a career change
- Mental illness
- Distressing mental health symptoms
- Sleep issues
- Chronic pain
- Coping with a terminal diagnosis
- Trauma or adverse experiences
- Substance use
- Self-harm
- Unwanted behaviors, thoughts, or beliefs
- Chronic stress
- Fears
- Phobias
- Social challenges
- School challenges
Benefits of talking to a therapist
You do not have to handle your concerns on your own. A therapist can be a beneficial resource. In addition, going to therapy is not "weird" or "rare." Over 41.7 million Americans see a therapist, and the number is growing. In addition, therapy can often be a short-term solution for those who don't want to spend a lot of time in counseling. It can also be a long-term support for those who appreciate the guidance of a therapist throughout their day-to-day lives.
What do counselors do?
Counselors are professionals in mental health with a master's degree or doctorate that hold an up-to-date license in their state and clinical hours of experience. These providers offer guidance, coping mechanisms, mental health education, validation, support, and therapy methods to help their clients make changes. With over 400 types of therapy available, you can target almost any symptom.
Ask questions if you're unsure about your counselor's treatment approach. Often, a counselor will have an initial intake appointment with you before you begin therapy to ensure you are prepared for treatment and understand your concerns before you start.
How to find a counselor to speak to
Once a person has decided to seek counseling, trying to find a fit may feel overwhelming. Although counselors might look like a fit when you look at them online, meeting with the therapist for an initial consultation can help you understand whether you will connect well during sessions.
The importance of building trust with a therapist
Research has shown that the number of years a counselor has experience treating clients may not be as valuable as the rapport and trust between the counselor and client. Carl Rogers calls it "unconditional positive regard," which means the feeling that you can tell anything with your therapist. Having a safe and judgment-free zone with someone who will listen and offer feedback without judgment can be beneficial. If you don't feel safe or heard by your therapist, you might not benefit from therapy with them.
Finding good-match mental health counselors
To find a counselor, consider doing a search online or calling therapists in your area. You can also ask for a referral from your doctor if you're unsure where to start. If you don't want to search for a counselor, signing up for an online platform can allow you to get matched with someone who fits your preferences without the extra work.
If you feel overwhelmed in the search, note that many counselors recognize there is no "one size fits all" approach and are more eclectic, taking inspiration from various techniques. You might find a therapist that fits your needs by searching for your specific symptoms upfront. A therapist specializing in your symptoms, diagnosis, or preferred form of treatment may be more compatible with you than someone who works in another area. For example, suppose you're experiencing social phobia but reach out to a therapist that works with childhood depression. In that case, you may not find as many benefits as you might with a therapist specializing in social anxiety and exposure therapy.
How to make the most of a new counselor
Try not to make a final judgment about your counselor after the first session. The relationship between you and your therapist can take time to move forward, and the intake session may be more focused on getting to know each other than starting treatment. If you don't feel unsafe or disrespected, give your therapist a chance and be open-minded about what to expect in future sessions.
In addition, try not to let one bad experience ruin therapy for you. Therapists are people; as such, they can vary in personality and opinions. Finding a therapist that you click with can be like finding any relationship. It may take some time, but once you find the right one, you'll get the answers you seek.
Talking to a counselor may help you learn more about yourself and is a tool to support you. Unlike a friend or peer, therapists can offer research-based advice and years of expertise to support you. You're not alone in your experiences, and a therapist is a guide to meeting your goals.
Mental health counseling options
Some people might not reach out to a counselor because they feel they can't find an option in their area that meets their needs. In addition, in-person counseling can be expensive and unavailable for many, and people might avoid therapy to avoid high costs or unprofessional providers. In these cases, online counseling may be more effective.
Research points to online counseling as a way to bridge the gap between those who need counseling and those who aren't able to seek it, offering therapy that is available with only an internet connection and that is as successful as in-person therapy in managing symptoms associated with various mental health concerns.
Additionally, an internet-based therapy site can provide 24 7 opportunities, more cost-efficiency, safety, and seclusion than traditional therapy. As technology advances, it continues to provide more avenues for safe and effective counseling.
Through an online platform, you can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions with your counselor and pay a lower per-session price than in-person counseling. Platforms like BetterHelp allow you to receive online therapy using a nickname.
Takeaway
How do I talk to a counselor?
There are several ways to find a counselor who fits your personality and your needs. With the rise in popularity of online therapy, an increasing number of mental health professionals offer their services through online platforms. These platforms match therapists with clients based on their individual needs, and they'll often post their credentials, education, years of experience, where they've previously worked, and what types of therapy they specialize in. Additionally, you can often chat with a counselor before attending sessions if you have questions about the process.
If you prefer traditional, in-person therapy, a quick online search will yield results for counselors offering services in your area. Alternatively, you can speak to your insurance provider for a list of therapists, or your primary care physician might have a list of referrals they can pass on for your consideration. If you need more immediate help, there are several resources available that can connect you with a crisis counselor. Here is a list of emergency resources available for a wide variety of issues:
Where can I talk to someone for free?
Free counseling services are sometimes available for individuals through social services organizations and other community resources. You may be able to find professionally supervised peer support groups locally or online. If you feel uncomfortable seeking support through these channels, speak with your insurance company about potential coverage options. While you might not find a licensed therapist who can provide individualized services for free, you may successfully obtain a deeply discounted rate from a mental health professional who accepts insurance and provides services on a sliding scale.
Is it good to talk to a counselor?
Therapy is beneficial for people with a variety of mental health concerns. However, it can also benefit those without a mental condition seeking preventative care or who simply need guidance in personal growth, reaching a goal, or coping with challenges. The benefits of therapy can vary between individuals depending on their unique goals and challenges. Here are some ways that treatment might help you:
Stress management
Simply talking to someone who listens without judgment can reduce stress. You can share your concerns without worrying about being criticized or misunderstood. A counselor can also teach stress-management skills to use outside of therapy, such as meditation, grounding techniques, and breathing exercises.
Self-exploration
Talking to a counselor allows you to explore complex or uncomfortable topics you might not feel comfortable discussing with friends or family. Sometimes, emotions like anxiety, anger, or sadness can feel overwhelming. A counselor can help you untangle these feelings, making them easier to understand and manage. Additionally, through consistent dialogue, you and your counselor can identify your strengths and build a more positive self-image.
Improving communication and problem-solving
Counselors can help you develop skills to communicate more effectively with others, improving relationships in your personal and professional life. If you're facing specific challenges—whether individual, relational, or professional—a counselor can work with you to find solutions, identify patterns, and offer new perspectives.
Motivation and self-betterment
Some people with specific academic or career goals talk to a professional (for example, a sports or business leadership counselor) who can hold them accountable to their goals and help them stay on track in areas like personal development, career, or even healthier habits.
Addressing relationship issues
People sometimes seek the help of a counselor when facing relationship challenges, whether it's with a partner or family or they're having trouble socializing in general. They can help identify sources of conflict and factors that hinder the individual's ability to address them. They'll then work with the client to develop a plan for addressing these challenges and improving their relationships.
Coping with grief, loss, and change
Sometimes, when life presents unexpected challenges, it helps to have someone who can provide emotional support and help with processing and coping with the complex emotions they bring. People may seek help from a grief counselor if they've experienced the loss of a loved one or when faced with uncertainty.
What should I say to a counselor?
You can talk to a therapist about anything, but it is common to feel uncertain about where to begin or what to bring up. Keep in mind there is no issue too small or too large to approach, and your counselor will likely let you take the lead in the conversation (unless you ask otherwise). Here are some suggestions for things to talk about with your counselor:
- Your thoughts and feelings about being in therapy
- Your everyday life and experiences
- Your past
- Your relationships
- Your goals and aspirations
- Your concerns
- Your successes
- Your challenges
Where can I talk to people for help?
Friends, family, and other support systems are an excellent place to begin if you need to talk; however, it isn't always possible or preferred. If you would instead look for help elsewhere, try local resources like your general practitioner, social service organizations, community outreach groups, or your spiritual community (if applicable). There are online support groups available for people who need someone to talk to, and online therapy platforms connect individuals with qualified licensed mental health professionals. If you do participate in online support, take care to verify the individual(s) or group(s) you speak to are legitimate.
Why do you need a counselor?
There are many potential reasons why an individual might need assistance from a counselor—for example, treating mental health conditions like depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and personality disorders. People might need a counselor to help them work through relationship problems, trauma, insecurity, loss, or other mentally distressing issues. Additionally, some people seek counseling for self-betterment and performance enhancement.
How does counseling help?
The takeaways from counseling typically vary between individuals, but many people find it helpful for addressing mental health issues, relationship challenges, limiting thoughts and beliefs, and barriers to personal development. Counseling can help people achieve specific goals, overcome unhealthy habits, and cultivate healthier lifestyles.
Is counseling just talking?
Counseling usually involves other components in addition to talking. For example, counselors may give their clients assignments to complete between sessions and share. They might work on bodily relaxation techniques, guided visualizations, and grounding exercises. The therapy process is typically bi-directional, with the therapist and client working together towards progress. A counselor will often lend their thoughts in sessions as well as listen to yours.
Can I talk to my counselor about anything?
In short, yes, you should be able to talk to a counselor about anything. If you feel like there are things you can't (or don't want to) speak to them about, bring that up in therapy. If you've voiced your concerns and you feel pushed one way or the other, consider finding another counselor better aligned with your needs.
How do I approach a Counsellor?
Approaching a counselor might seem daunting, especially if you don't know what to look for or what to expect. However, there are things you can do to acclimate to and make the most of counseling. Here are a few tips on how to facilitate the process and set yourself up for success:
Learn the logistics
Find out as much as possible about your counselor's background, experience, and focus. Make a list of practical questions you might have about things like their policy, billing methods, and how they conduct sessions. Understanding the length and frequency of sessions and the medium in which the counselor practices (i.e., individual, group, or couples) will help you adjust your expectations and plan accordingly. If you're using an online platform, consider how you'll attend sessions. For example, do you prefer a video chat session, online messaging, or a combination? Determine your scheduling preferences, as well, to validate that your counselor can accommodate your timing needs.
Keep a journal
Journalling is an excellent way to gain deeper insight into your mental health and what you need help with. Consider keeping a regular journal including your thoughts and feelings, your expectations about therapy, and what you'd like to prioritize in treatment. Journalling is also a good way to determine what you feel comfortable sharing in treatment and what you don't. This can help you set therapeutic boundaries but also provide a framework for setting goals and addressing difficult situations throughout the therapeutic process.
Talk about your concerns and goals
Communicate your concerns about the therapeutic process and what you hope to achieve. Talk to your counselor in detail about your expectations and goals so you can work together and develop a plan for success. Often, the more detailed you can get, the better, so consider setting therapeutic milestones for yourself. Remember that your therapist is there to support you in a safe, nonjudgmental environment, and honesty is key to getting the most out of therapy.
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