I was recently asked, “How can counseling be helpful for me? My problems aren’t bad, I’ve never had anything traumatic happen to me…”  Let’s talk about that!  Counseling is not just for those who have experienced major trauma.  Here are some other examples of what you may gain from counseling:

• Improved communication 

  • Increased conflict resolution 

  • Expressing your needs

  • Assertiveness

• Acceptance of self/increased self-esteem 

• Adjusting to life changes 

  • Marriage

  • Leaving your family home for the first time 

  • Children leaving the home

• Complicated family dynamics 

• Anxiety 

• Depression 

• Improve coping skills

The list could go on and on.  One last reason I’ll discuss though is having a safe space to discuss ANYTHING without the fear of judgement and rejection. I hear from a lot of people that they haven’t sought counseling before because they talk to their friends about their struggles.  While this support is awesome, counseling can provide a completely different space.  With friends, there is a give and take.  You are both able to share and provide support for each other.  In counseling, the therapist's focus is solely on you.  The therapist will also provide unconditional positive regard meaning that no matter what you say or do, the therapist will accept and support you.  

For couples and families, the focus of counseling is the relationship, or the family unit.  No single individual is the focus.  I’ve often heard from clients that when they talk to family and friends they are biased.  This of course makes sense because those outside individuals often have a stake in the relationship (or the individual seeking their advice).  Counseling provides a space where an unbiased individual can act as a mediator, helping to reframe perceptions and increase understanding throughout the relationship.

The relationship between you and your therapist is extremely important as well.  If you are unable to feel safe and comfortable with each other, progress will be difficult.  Keep this in mind when you are searching for a therapist.  The first few sessions are just as much you getting to know your therapist as them getting to know you.  While this is in different ways because the therapist is most likely not disclosing personal information to you, you are getting to know their style and make sure it is a good fit for you.  It is okay to not find a therapist a fit as well.  While it is awkward, let them know!  They may be able to provide a referral to another therapist.  

Counseling can be beneficial for everyone.  At one point or another in everyone's lives, they have experienced struggles.  Counseling can be short or long term depending on what your needs are.  If you find that you are struggling with anything, counseling is always an option.  There is no right or wrong thing to bring into a counseling room.