FAQ

Counseling and/or therapy is a way for people who are having problems that they can’t handle, can’t control, or just don’t know how to deal with, to find help from a trained professional. There are many types of counseling.

Counseling can help alleviate emotional pain and suffering. It can teach you new skills with which you can successfully deal with the problems at hand. It can save a marriage. It can help increase your self esteem. It can give you hope that there is a better way, or a way out.

Successful counseling feels like something has changed, something is different. You feel more hope and self-confidence. You are trying out new behaviors and they are working. The way successful therapy looks is other people begin to comment that something about you seems different. Maybe they don’t know what has changed in you, but you feel better to be around. You will also notice that you are having different results from actions that in the past would not have gone so well.

The first thing you do is tell your counselor. Explain what is not working and why. Discuss things that have worked in the past. The reason we need counseling from time to time is that we can’t see our self defeating thoughts or behaviors and it sometimes takes an impartial observer to point out to us what is obvious to others.

You will feel done. Most of the concerns and anxiety that brought you into therapy will have dissipated. You will have learned coping skills and new behaviors to deal with any issues that may persist. Your therapist should be able to give you feedback about your decision and discuss whether or not they feel you are ready to terminate. Ultimately the decision is in your hands.