Counseling (or Counselling). 5 Reasons Why We Need It
Updated August 29, 2019
Reviewer Stephanie Chupein
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We Need Counselling or Counseling!
First let's start off by clarifying that "Counselling" and "counseling" are the same thing, which is a therapeutic modality. Counselling is the British spelling and counseling is the American version of the same term. Many people are unaware of five common reasons that counseling is a mental health service that multitudes of people throughout the world need. Why do we need counseling? Life is stressful and difficult. In the beginning of the classic book The Road Less Travelled, author M. Scott Peck states:
"Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult-once we truly understand and accept it-then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters."
Scott Peck means that once someone comes to terms with how hard life is, their journey becomes easier. Acceptance is the key to happiness. With that in mind, knowing that life is hard, it's natural to ask for help from time to time. One of the most reliable and consistent ways to get help navigating some of life's challenges is by seeking counseling. Here are five reasons that people need counseling.
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- We Aren't Getting the Help We Need
According to the American Psychological Association, out of the United States out of the 8.9 million adults who have mental illness 44 percent received mental health treatment in 2017. That means that less than half of the people who have mental health issues are getting proper care. 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.
- 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. According to a 2004 study, 48 percent of Americans were actively seeking outmental health treatment, which means that these people saw the value of counseling. However, 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.
- 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. If a person is suffering from suicidal ideation or severe mental illness, they should not wait a long time to see a provider. Unfortunately, providers tell patients who have critical conditions to go to the Emergency Room. They see a doctor for emergent care and are promptly sent home without so much as a referral to a therapist.
- When Somebody 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.
- 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. For more information on online counseling, click here.
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Online counselors are accessible from anywhere you have a reliable internet connection. You can talk to your counselor in the privacy of your home, office or even a coffee shop. You and your provider can find a time that works for both of you to meet on a regular basis. You don't have to suffer with your problems alone. Reach out for help today.
