Counseling (or Counselling). 5 Reasons Why We Need It
By: William Drake
Updated March 16, 2020
Medically Reviewed By: Stephanie Chupein
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First let's start off by clarifying that "counselling" and "counseling" are the same thing-a form of therapy. Counselling is the British spelling and counseling is the American version of the same term. But why would we need it? No matter who we are, life gives us challenges.
We are the most equipped to face these challenges when we have the right tools and support. Sometimes, support comes in the form of a counselor. This article will cover five common reasons people need counseling.
1. We Aren't Getting the Help We Need
According to the American Psychological Association, up to one (in four) primary care patients suffer from depression; however, primary care doctors identify less than 31 percent of these patients. That means that there is a real need for mental health care, yet the current tools we have in the medical field aren't fulfilling that need. The statistics speak for themselves, and something needs to change for people to maintain emotional wellness. Part of that shift has to do with showing people the value of counseling. For people to see that value, they need to take the leap and meet with a counselor. Once they do that, they'll notice a dramatic shift in their lives and recognize that their emotional well-being improves.
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2. Counseling Treats Mental Illness
If you live with depression, anxiety, or something more severe such as bipolar disorder, you likely experience times of distress in addition to common life challenges. Many people who have a mental illness recognize the value of counseling and see a counselor, whether that person is online or in their area. However, as stated above, there are plenty of individuals who do not receive the care that they desperately need for mental health issues. In fact, there are barriers to mental health services in the United States that are somewhat out of the client's control. Despite the barriers, which we will discuss in a moment, counseling is an excellent way to treat chronic mental illness.
3. Money Troubles
The majority of Americans are in a significant amount of debt. Their financial difficulties could be due to lack of consistent income, poverty, compulsive spending, gambling addiction, substance abuse or other mental health issues. Managing money or matters surrounding money is extremely real and impact our lives on a daily basis. Money can cause people anxiety, panic attacks, depression and other mental health issues.
Ironically, one of the most significant roadblocks people face when trying to find a counselor and enter counseling is the cost. Many people don't have health insurance or their limited coverage for mental health services prevents them from getting care. There are low-cost clinics where people can get care. However, many times the waitlists for these places is long, and it's difficult to get a therapist promptly. Online therapy could be a more affordable option.
4. When Someone is in Crisis, a Counselor Can Help
When someone is expressing suicidal thoughts, whether those are passive or the person has an active plan to end their life, they can see a counselor for help. If the person in question expresses their troubling thoughts to a friend or loved one, the person on the other end can confidently refer them to a counselor. Counseling is a safe place to express any feelings a person is having difficulty expressing. A counselor is dedicated to helping people get to a place of emotional wellness and stability.
5. Treatment is Accessible in Online Counseling
We live in a technology-centric generation and mental health services have evolved quite a bit over time. The final reason to seek counseling is that there are so many ways to do so electronically! Online counseling is a viable option for treatment. It's vastly more affordable than providers that either don't take insurance or only accept out of network coverage. There are even options to get free counseling for a period before you commit to a long-term relationship with your provider. BetterHelp has an extensive network of professional online counselors who are ready to support you in your journey to wellness.
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Below are some reviews of BetterHelp counselors, from people experiencing different issues.
Counselor Reviews
"I have come a long way. With the help of Alexis, I have accomplished things I thought I'd never do. I am glad I did this, it has benefited me so much. With the guidance and encouragement of Alexis, I am more confident in myself and I see a clear path to success and happiness. I have learned to control myself and not doubt myself. It is hard to let go but I know I will be fine and if I need she will still be here for me. Thank you Alexis you have truly helped me change my life. I am so grateful. I wish you the best!"
"In the short span of 9 months, Shonnie has become like one of my best friends. At first, I was skeptical of doing therapy since I'm very "psychologically healthy". A few challenges in my personal life lead me to try therapy for a month. Now I consider it an important part of my growth as a businessman and leader within my community. Thank you Shonnie for being so helpful during the recent difficulties; I am very lucky to have found you!"
Conclusion
This list is in no way complete, and there are hundreds of good reasons to try counseling. The main reason is that nobody needs to bear any burden alone. You find hope and overcome any difficulty- take the first step.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between therapy and counseling?
Individual therapy and counseling can look very much alike. The main difference between therapists and counselors is that therapists are licensed by their state to provide individual therapy, couples therapy, and group therapy. Licensed therapists have taken coursework approved by the state to provide counseling for families, individuals, and couples who are in crisis or in need of advice.
What are the different types of counseling?
There are many different types of counseling available for help with specific issues. For example, people who take part in premarital counseling do so before they plan to marry. There are also options for individual counseling for mental health issues, substance and alcohol abuse counseling, and couples therapy (like marriage counseling) for married couples.
When should I see a counselor?
You should see a counselor for individual therapy, family therapy, or couples therapy if you need advice support or guidance related to mental health issues, substance abuse and addiction issues, or if you need general life advice from a licensed professional. There doesn't have to be an issue to establish a counseling relationship.
What are the goals of counseling?
The goals of individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and relationship therapy are to help people learn new coping and communications strategies in their relationships. People who get counseling and couples therapy have the advantage of analyzing the reasons behind their behaviors with the guidance and insight of a professional advisor.
How do you know if a therapist is right for you?
When you take part in individual therapy on your own, couples therapy with a spouse, or family therapy with members of the family, you can your therapist should have a comfortable rapport. This is someone who you will be talking to frequently about the most intimate details of your life. Pay attention to how you feel with you have your first individual therapy, couples therapy, or family therapy session with your talk therapy provider.
How much does therapy cost?
The average cost of individual, couples therapy, and family therapy in the United States starts at $65.00 and can go up to as much as $200.00 per hour in a traditional in-office setting. Online options for relationship therapy and individual therapy start as low as $40.00 per week (paid monthly) with leading therapy providers like BetterHelp.com
What happens at your first counseling appointment?
During your first counseling appointment, you and your therapist will become acquainted. Your therapist will determine whether your needs for therapy. For example, are you seeing a therapist for individual therapy or couples therapy? After your counselor learns what your needs are, they will develop a treatment plan for you that outlines how many counseling sessions they recommend and other important details about your treatment. People who take medication or who need additional services may be given a third-party referral.
Is Counselling confidential?
Yes! When you sign up for online therapy sessions with leading therapy providers like BetterHelp, you can be assured that your couples therapy, sex therapy, and individual counseling sessions are completely confidential. When you have sessions with a licensed therapist they are bound by confidentiality.
