Myths Dispelled, Questions Answered
"Only crazy people go to counseling."
Going to counseling does not mean you are crazy or that you have something seriously wrong with you. Many people that go to counseling are everyday, competent individuals that may just need to sort through some issues in their lives or feel stuck in patterns.
"Seeking counseling is a sign of weakness."
Sometimes people feel that they should be able to handle everything on their own. Particularly, with people of color, it can be seen as weakness or betrayal. Why tell a stranger all your business? Everyone has problems and sometimes griping to friends and family is not enough. It takes a courageous individual to overcome their fears and seek help with their problems.
"A counselor is not going to understand me because my problems are too [insert adjective]."
A counselor's job is to help you to explore your own process. People react to events in different ways, even if it is the same event. Counselors are trained to be empathic and understanding to help you deal with thoughts and emotions.
"A therapist will give me advice and tell me how to fix my problems."
Going to counseling is a way to examine your issues and explore ways to address them that works with your process. This may take some time. Every counselor has a different method and individuals have varied paths to reaching their goals. Sometimes you might feel better just scheduling the first appointment but through continued counseling you will find ways to achieve your goals and make effective changes.
"I don't have time for therapy right now. It will be hard and painful."
It's true that sometimes people need to sort through some serious issues. Therapy can be challenging, especially if you have been avoiding dealing with problems for a long time. Therapy can also be a fulfilling and satisfying journey to learning about yourself. Sometimes that will be hard and painful, sometimes it will be funny and enlightening. All are pathways toward healing, growth, and balance.
"I don't know where to begin. I'm nervous."
It can be scary reaching out to a stranger for help. It's typical for feel nervous, particularly if you are new to counseling. Fortunately, most people get over those beginning feelings and find therapy to be a gratifying and rewarding experience.
Adapted from:
upstate common myths about counseling
seattle christian counseling
st. mary's facts and fears about counseling
modern love counseling
Going to counseling does not mean you are crazy or that you have something seriously wrong with you. Many people that go to counseling are everyday, competent individuals that may just need to sort through some issues in their lives or feel stuck in patterns.
"Seeking counseling is a sign of weakness."
Sometimes people feel that they should be able to handle everything on their own. Particularly, with people of color, it can be seen as weakness or betrayal. Why tell a stranger all your business? Everyone has problems and sometimes griping to friends and family is not enough. It takes a courageous individual to overcome their fears and seek help with their problems.
"A counselor is not going to understand me because my problems are too [insert adjective]."
A counselor's job is to help you to explore your own process. People react to events in different ways, even if it is the same event. Counselors are trained to be empathic and understanding to help you deal with thoughts and emotions.
"A therapist will give me advice and tell me how to fix my problems."
Going to counseling is a way to examine your issues and explore ways to address them that works with your process. This may take some time. Every counselor has a different method and individuals have varied paths to reaching their goals. Sometimes you might feel better just scheduling the first appointment but through continued counseling you will find ways to achieve your goals and make effective changes.
"I don't have time for therapy right now. It will be hard and painful."
It's true that sometimes people need to sort through some serious issues. Therapy can be challenging, especially if you have been avoiding dealing with problems for a long time. Therapy can also be a fulfilling and satisfying journey to learning about yourself. Sometimes that will be hard and painful, sometimes it will be funny and enlightening. All are pathways toward healing, growth, and balance.
"I don't know where to begin. I'm nervous."
It can be scary reaching out to a stranger for help. It's typical for feel nervous, particularly if you are new to counseling. Fortunately, most people get over those beginning feelings and find therapy to be a gratifying and rewarding experience.
Adapted from:
upstate common myths about counseling
seattle christian counseling
st. mary's facts and fears about counseling
modern love counseling