Do I Really Need Counseling?

Have you been wondering if you should talk to a therapist/counselor but aren’t sure if your needs really require therapy? Talking with a counselor can be more versatile than people realize.

I have some helpful points for you to consider as you think about reaching out! 

1. A new perspective
   So often when we are working out an issue, we end up spinning our wheels because we’re too close to the situation and all we need is another perspective. A counselor can be a great solution to coming at a problem from a new, fresh point of view. 

2. Problem solving
   More often than not, when people come to counseling, I find that they have tried or read about many other techniques and solutions first and are kind of at a loss. A huge benefit to speaking with a counselor is that I can help you weed through the mounds of advice out there and help you find something that works for your unique needs and strengths. 

3. Listening, I mean really listening!
   Typically, a counselor is not the first person on the list of folks to go to when we have a problem. Usually we will first talk with family members, friends, trusted members of a faith community and so on. Many times, this does the trick and you never even find yourself thinking about a counselor. Other times, you may find that it’s hard for the people in your life to really hear you out because they’re also being affected by the problem, or problems of their own. Sometimes you just need someone who isn’t closely connected to the issue you’re facing, who can provide more of an unbiased ear and really hear where you’re coming from.

4. Unifying
   One of the many things I love about working with children as a counselor is being able to work with the adults in the child’s life to rally everyone together in support of the child. One of my strengths is not just supporting parents, but also providing support for other adults in the child’s life, like teachers and school staff so everyone is on the same team and setting the child up for greater success!

5. Building insight
   Counselors have a unique ability to look at the bigger picture. One thing I like to do with clients is not just address things at the surface, but get to an issue at its core. That kind of work has lasting effects, and the insights you build can be applied in many areas of life.

6. Building skills
   When we’re looking for ways to change and make improvements on our own, sometimes what happens is we see a temporary change, but before long, the same pattern starts to repeat. One reason this happens is because we may not have really developed the skills to do something different and we revert back to our old way of doing things. I like to work with people, children included, on building skills so you have more options on how to respond to a situation in a way that’s in line with your values and goals. 

7. Empowerment
   It’s not my goal for people to be in counseling for a long time. Really, what I want is to help you and your child hone in on strategies, techniques, and approaches that fit with your unique personality and style, so you can feel confident in applying them in whatever situation comes your way.

What do you think? Are you ready to take the first step and get started? Or maybe you’re still not sure. You can always reach out and have a quick consultation with no obligation to sign up, if you’d like to find out more about how I can help.

Hope to hear from you soon,

Olivia