Is counseling right for me?
Counseling is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility for their own mental health, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
What can I expect in a counseling session?
Every session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. During sessions it is standard to talk about the primary issues and concerns in your life. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts 45-60 minutes. Sometimes individuals who are going through a particularly difficult challenge may request more than one session per week.
It can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. Between sessions it is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life. For counseling to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions.
What benefits can I expect from working with a counselor?
Counseling can provide insight and new perspectives into life’s challenges and can help create solutions to difficult problems. Many people find that working with a counselor can enhance personal development, improve relationships and family dynamics, and can ease the challenges of daily life. Sometimes, just having someone there to listen is helpful. Overall, people in counseling tend to have lower levels of anxiety and stress, decreased conflict, and improved quality of life.