Why professional counseling and when to seek it?
We are living in some interesting times. We have spent the last almost 13 months living through a global pandemic, transitioning to working and schooling from home, and have completely changed the way we live and move. Some people approach me and ask, is this a good time to seek counseling? My answer is, absolutely! It is time to take care of and pay attention to our mental and emotional wellness.
What is professional counseling? According to the American Counseling Association, professional counseling is a “professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. Counselors help clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil; seek to improve communication and coping skills; strengthen self-esteem; and promote behavior change and optimal mental health.”
Counseling sessions can last for about 45-50 minutes and it is a time for the client to share their personal feelings, concerns, and challenges. The counseling relationship is important as the counselor becomes the person who the client shares their deepest personal and emotional challenges, pain, and thoughts with. A professional counselor is there to listen, support and provide guidance through evidenced based theories and techniques. We are not there to be a friend nor to offer our personal advice. However, we do encourage our clients to tap into their support system to provide further personal and emotional support especially during challenging times.
The need for counseling is great at this moment in time. About 8 out of 10 people in the US are experiencing stress and are reporting that the coronavirus pandemic is a significant source of stress. Stress can affect you physically, as it can lead to heart attacks and severe stomach issues; as well as emotionally, as it can lead to irritability and anxiety. Stress also affects your concentration which can negatively affect your performance at work. There are many reasons to seek professional counseling such as experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety; and abusing substances. However, if stress is something you are feeling and experiencing (especially during this period of COVID-19 and other highly stressful events), it is best to reach out to your medical doctor, insurance company, or Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at work. They can help you obtain a referral or provide further guidance on identifying a professional counselor/therapist that is right for you.
