10 Things to Know About Counseling

You have likely heard of counseling. Maybe you’ve even heard about how helpful it can be for people. You may have heard stories from the person in your office that says marriage counseling saved her marriage or the friend that was struggling and found help. You may have even heard some negative stories about people that hated counseling.

But these don’t always give a clear picture. You may have heard of it, but what is it? What do you really need to know? What is it really like?

Let’s break down ten common ideas about counseling as you consider whether it is right for you.

It’s easier than you may think.

The hardest part of counseling for many people is getting started. When you don’t know what to expect, it can be difficult to take a step forward into the unknown. People are often surprised at how easy it feels.

Many times, we go into a new experience with ideas of what to expect. When it comes to counseling, those ideas come from our past experiences, the experiences of people we know, how the idea of therapy was talked about or not talked about, and even what we see in the media.

Taking the initial steps to find a counselor, reach out, and make an appointment can feel monumental. Even getting to the office for your first meeting can seem overwhelming. But it won’t always feel that way. It does get easier.

You can change counselors.

How can you possibly know if you’re going to connect with someone without even meeting them? The internet does make it easier to learn about a potential counselor, but there is something important that happens when you spend time with and get to know one another. Many people are afraid to start counseling because they don’t know if they will like the person they choose.

Instead of worrying about locking into one counselor forever, you can permit yourself to change. If you spend a period of time with a counselor and the connection doesn’t seem to be there, you can try someone else. You can even talk to your counselor about that and see if they can help you find someone who is a better fit.

One word of advice is not to switch too fast. Give yourself at least four to six sessions to see if you can develop a rapport with the counselor. Sometimes it takes time to get to know someone, especially when you’re trying something new like counseling. If you cannot connect after those sessions, give someone else a try.

Counseling does not last forever.

Sometimes people hesitate to start counseling because they don’t know when it will end. If we don’t see the endpoint, we can worry that it will last forever. The goal of counseling is not to trap you into a lifelong commitment to therapy. The goal is to help you address whatever concerns you have while offering support and strategies you can implement.

Many people find that three to four months of counseling is adequate for their needs. It is also helpful to know that you have an established relationship with a counselor should you need them again in the future.

You don’t have to lie down on a couch.

Many of us have seen therapy scenes in movies or on television. In the scene, the patient lies down on a couch and stares at the ceiling as they divulge their deepest secrets to someone sitting in a chair tapping a pen on a yellow legal pad. That is not reality.

When a person comes to counseling, one of the foundational building blocks is to make sure they are comfortable. Laying on a strange couch in a stranger’s office while they look on in judgment doesn’t seem very comfortable. That is why most counselors work hard to ensure you are comfortable. Often, that means sitting in chairs while talking. Clients can also stand, walk around the room, doodle, look out the window, or, if they choose, lay back and talk.

Counseling may be challenging.

While it is important that you are comfortable, that doesn’t mean counseling is without challenges. Counseling is often about doing some hard work, addressing some difficult things, and gently moving beyond your comfort zone. This is a good thing. If you are pursuing counseling it is often because something needs to change in your life or how you are feeling.

This change may feel challenging at times, but your counselor will walk with you through the challenge to help you overcome any obstacles in a way that feels safe and achievable for you. Any challenge you face is always for your benefit and you never have to face it alone.

It’s not all Freud.

You may have heard of Sigmund Freud, a neurologist that is famous for many foundational ideas in psychotherapy. While therapy may utilize some of Freud’s concepts, the focus is on your wellness. It isn’t your job to understand or analyze Freud’s ideas. Instead, a counselor will work with you to address your needs.

The key element that counseling should be based on is the Bible. When you focus on the spiritual elements of your wellness as you deal with issues, you will discover a deeper level of wholeness.

Counseling isn’t only for hard times.

Major life crisis or trauma is not required for counseling. Many people find they benefit from meeting with a counselor, regardless of whether they are facing a challenge. Counseling can help you understand yourself, your faith, the relationships in your life, your goals, and more.

While there are many benefits to pursuing counseling during transitions, while processing grief, to help understand trauma, or to repair a relationship, none of those things are requirements. Counseling is for everyone whenever they need it.

It doesn’t mean something is wrong with you.

Unfortunately, there can be an inaccurate stigma associated with counseling or therapy. People have considered these services to be negative ideas reserved for people who are considered crazy. None of this is true. There is nothing negative about counseling. It can be said, even, that counseling is a healthy, mature step in managing your health.

Pursuing counseling does not mean you are crazy or that there is something wrong with you. It simply means that you are investing in your health and well-being.

You’re not the only one.

With so many false ideas about counseling it’s no wonder people keep it to themselves. The reality is, however, that you are not the only person considering counseling. “In 2021, around 41.7 million adults in the United States received treatment or counseling for their mental health within the past year.” (John Elflein)

If you seek counseling, you are in good company.

Counseling helps.

The most important thing to remember about counseling is that it helps. Counseling or therapy can help you process something in your life, walk through grief, handle past trauma, find freedom from addiction, repair relationships, and so much more. The key to counseling that helps is allowing it to do its work in you.

Counseling will take commitment and work, but if you do the work, you can discover hope in places that you didn’t know were possible.

Next steps.

Addressing these ideas certainly clears some things up. But you may need more help. Maybe you still have questions?

We love questions. Questions are a big part of our job. You can dip your toe in the waters by connecting with us to ask whatever questions you have about counseling. There are no foolish questions. Whatever you need to know is valid and has value. There is no question about counseling or anything else that will be too much.

We’re ready to help. Connect with us online or by phone today and we will help answer your questions about counseling and how it can benefit you.