Two heads are better than one. When you and your therapist work together to make positive changes in your life, you will benefit more quickly than the progress you would make on your own. The following reasons show what a counselor can do for you.
1. Working on small problems in the early stage to prevent larger problems.
- Couples frequently do not turn to therapy until their relationship is nearly finished. Often, they can point to times in previous years when they should have begun therapy.
- Depression alters an individual’s (and families’) life. Unchecked depression can lead to suicide and drastic acting out. It can also lead to doing “nothing.” Feelings of helplessness and despair bring a decline in self-esteem, loss of employment, missed opportunities, and a myriad of preventable problems.
- Pre-marital counseling helps couples establish expectations for one another and develop better communication and conflict resolution skills.
2. A therapist knows there is more beneath the surface than the stated problem. Asking for advice involves a description of the current problem, but a therapist knows the problem is typically a symptom of a larger issue. Advice from other sources focuses on presenting a problem and resolving only that problem. You can tackle a problem now, but without addressing the larger, underlying issue, you will continue to experience similar problems—possibly for the rest of your life.
3. To discuss issues in your life with someone who is unbiased, in a confidential environment. Of course, there are other ways to get advice, but they do have drawbacks:
- You can talk to friends, but…
- They think they know you and already have an opinion about you.
- Since they’re not trained therapists, their advice is unlikely to be best for your situation. If your friends are trained therapists, the Therapeutic Relationship cannot be established. Click here for more information on why this would cause a conflict of interest.
- To truly open up and unload your deepest, darkest secrets, a confidential environment is critical. He or she may not be prepared to hear the secrets you reveal.
- Post a question on an internet forum. Taking advice from any anonymous responder can potentially do more harm than good. Bad advice is worse than no advice. It’s difficult to post your question in such a way that the forum users will know enough to assist. They will not be able to address the underlying problems which caused the initial dilemma in the way that a therapist can.
- Calling a radio show will give you a simplified answer more likely to entertain listeners than solve your problem.
4. The expertise of a therapist is more informed and precise than your personal introspection. Also, in the midst of a crisis, it’s difficult to see the true nature of the problem and a solution. Feedback and advice from a therapist provides solutions tailored to your needs and situations. Personal growth doesn’t have to be limited to your knowledge. Boost your personal growth beyond your personal limitations with the assistance of a therapist.
5. Life transitions such as Divorce, Loss of a loved one, and Career change cause fear and discomfort. You shouldn’t have to face these issues alone. With the assistance of a therapist, adjustment periods are shorter and easier.
This article is a public reference and information source; not be used for self-diagnosis, treatment, nor a substitute for counseling sessions. For counseling, contact CrossRoads at 317-842-8881 to schedule an appointment if you are in the Central Indiana area. For help outside of this region, contact a local counselor.