What would you say to a friend who was complaining about blurry vision but was hesitant to go see an optometrist?
What arguments would you use to convince a loved one to see an Orthopedic specialist to relieve their back pain?
Are you unsure of the benefits of counseling and wondering if counseling is worth the time, energy, and money? You are not alone. Many people want to be free from their pain and struggle, but they are not convinced that seeing a counselor will actually help. So, we've put together a list that will help to answer some of your questions.
Seven Benefits of Personalized Individual Counseling
1. Validation
So many people think they are “crazy” for thinking or feeling the way they do. The reality is that you are not alone. What you are experiencing is much more common than you think. Your counselor will not be shocked. Counselors’ schedules are full of people with very similar thoughts and feelings. Counselors provide a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate environment for clients to deal with personal struggles. Common characteristics of effective counselors include compassionate understanding and unconditional affirmation. Counseling should provide a place where your emotions are validated, your situations are understood, and you are reminded that you are not alone.
2. Issue Identification
Many people are exhausted by their issues partly because they are fighting the wrong battles. By talking with a counselor, clients can identify the real root problems and discover fresh methods for improvement and growth. Counseling helps people gain a new and objective perspective of their struggles and issues. This is an important step in making lasting change.
3. Improved Quality of Life
As a result of counseling, it is very common for clients to experience a decrease in depressive or anxiety symptoms and an increase in hope, joy, and rest. In addition to the reduction of negativity in your daily life, your work with a counselor should produce a growing optimism about your future.
4. Improved Relationships
Mental and emotional struggles can often harm our most valuable relationships. Talking through issues with a counselor usually helps clients communicate better with their loved ones. Practical strategies developed with a counselor will have beneficial applications to your interactions with others. Your personal growth will frequently improve your relationships with loved ones, friends, and co-workers.
5. Empowerment
People with mental and emotional struggles understandably feel like victims. They can feel controlled and enslaved by their struggles. Counseling is designed to help clients identify and fight the struggles. With fresh insights and practical strategies, clients are empowered to combat their issues and live in freedom. Counseling may be the most strategic weapon a person can use against a wide range of mental health struggles, like anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders. You do not have to be held hostage. Counseling encourages and equips clients to move forward on a personal journey of lasting and enjoyable growth.
6. Reducing Self-Defeating Habits
People with mental or emotional struggles often develop habits that compound their problems. A counselor can help people become aware of the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that create a never-ending cycle of self-defeat, guilt, and shame. New awareness enables people to regain control of behaviors in order to enhance more positive change.
7. Long term issue management
The self-care skills learned in counseling will be helpful for many years. Counseling provides a safe place to learn and practice new life skills. These new skills equip people to tackle future issues on their own and lead to better overall wellness for the body, mind, and spirit.
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A person with lower back pain will seek medical help without judgment from his family or friends. A person with blurry vision will not think twice about seeking help from an optometrist. Likewise, people suffering from depression, anxiety, overwhelming stress, or relational struggles should not avoid getting help. The old-fashioned stigmas related to mental health counseling should be replaced with acceptance and encouragement. Counseling is beneficial.
This blog only mentions seven benefits of counseling. There are many many more. Find out for yourself. Most counselors will offer a free consultation to help assess if counseling is a good option for you.
What is stopping you from seeking help? If you're ready, schedule your FREE 15 Minute Discovery Call with us, today.