Quick Answers to Counseling FAQs (Part 3)
“I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?"
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before and for some reason isn’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.
“What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?”
The difference is between someone who can listen and someone who has the training and experience to professionally teach you to make and implement the needed decisions that may move you forward with proven strategies. A counselor can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.