Today I am revealing 3 reasons why you could benefit from counseling. There are many more, but I have narrowed it down to three - just for today. By the end of this post you will have a sense of whether counseling is right for you.

One of the most common questions I hear people ask about counseling is, “Doesn’t something have to be like really wrong for me to go to counseling?” Nope! In fact, let me tell you about the various types of sessions I have:

• Individuals who are focusing on childhood traumas…

• Individuals who are wanting to increase self-esteem…

• Individuals who are dealing with increased anxiety since COVID…

• Individuals who just need a place to vent/talk about things out loud…

• Individuals who went through a traumatic experience recently (e.g. car accidents, work accidents, major life transition)…

• Individuals who want to work on creating a better balance in their life with work, friends, family, school, etc…

• Individuals who are struggling with alcohol or substance use…

… The list can go on and on, but you get the point. Counseling isn’t just for “one phase” of life.

AND each person may have different goals for individual counseling!

Several Advantages of Counseling
but for today - let’s just focus on a few.

Reason 1: Unbiased place to process emotions, thoughts, situations.

Counseling can provide you with an unbiased place to process emotions, thoughts, and situations you are going through.

Talking to your best friend or a close family member are great resources! But sometimes, you might find yourself wanting to talk to someone who is not directly related or involved in the situation.

Often times, your friends and family just want you to feel happy. And your friends and family are a little biased because, well, they are your friends and family. It only makes sense for them to be on your side.

A counselor can provide you with an unbiased outlook. Now, don’t get me wrong: your counselor will always advocate for you! It’s just - your counselor tends to have less emotional attachment to the situation compared to let’s say, your sister - or your best friend - or your brother, your spouse, etc.

Reason 2: Therapists can connect your issues with professional knowledge.

Therapists didn’t go to school for 5-7+ years and have countless hours of continuing education for nothing. We go to trainings… We listen to webinars… We attend zoom meetings… Online courses… Etc. All to help us better serve you.

Furthermore, if you seek a therapist who specializes in what you are wanting to be seen for, there is a good chance he/she has witnessed others going through similar experiences.

This means, even if your counselor has not been through that exact situation, he/she may have a deeper awareness of what you are going through compared to some other people.

Counselors are also trained to notice patterns. Sometimes, your counselor may challenge you a bit. This isn’t to be rude/mean/”parent” you - but rather to help you grow.

This is just your counselor connecting your issue with professional knowledge and awareness.

Reason 3: Some therapies can literally rewire your brain (like EMDR)

Have you experienced thoughts of… “I know I am capable, but why do I feel like I’m not?” or… “I wish I could drive past ____ without wanting to cry or feeling like I have to hold my breath.” or… “Is this anxious feeling ever going to go away? I don’t want to keep living like this, feeling like I’m on the edge all the time, or feeling my heart is going to explode.” … Or any thought/feeling in general that is causing you grief, heartache, physical symptoms, etc.

I won’t get too “therapist-y” on you here and talk about all the different types of therapy modalities… But hear this —> Some types of therapy techniques are meant to have a long-lasting impact on your brain and body!

If you have a specific goal in mind - talk to the therapist before you have your appointment to see if he/she is the right fit for you. After-all, we are all human and that means we do not always connect with each other. And this is OKAY!

Counseling can be helpful regardless of what stage of life you are in!

Whether you are in a low spot in life and dealing with various challenges — or

Even if you feel like everything is going so well! and you just want to keep up the momentum —

Remember this: Throughout life, we are always growing and learning.