what counseling means?

According to the American Counseling Association, counseling is defined as "a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals." In layman’s terms, it is the opportunity to talk to an unbiased, clinically trained person who can help you figure out your life struggles. Counseling is usually sought after when you are at a low point in your life, where you may be feeling distressed and fighting a negative state of mind. 

Counseling is offered for one person, couples, families, and groups. These services are delivered through several methods, from face-to-face, in-person or online, group sessions, telephone, instant chat, or written correspondence. Counseling most commonly helps people navigate life situations, such as losing a job, divorce, natural disasters, school/work stress, and a loved one's death.

COUNSELING IS

Counseling is the process of exploring the difficulties and obstacles in your life. It helps you to analyze your feelings and emotions surrounding different experiences. Counseling offers the practice and development of coping skills to help you deal with hard times. The counselor will help you identify your goals and the steps that must be taken to achieve those goals. You will learn how to see things from a different perspective and find various solutions to your problems. Counseling will allow you to do the work to become the best version of yourself. 

COUNSELING IS NOT

The counselor will not give you advice or tell you what to do. You will always be considered the expert in your life, and you are expected to make all decisions for your life. The counselor will not judge you or make you feel bad for your past choices and mistakes. Counseling is not about the counselor fixing you or your problem. Counseling will always be a professional relationship between you and the counselor. 

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Counseling will help you accept and appreciate everything about yourself. You will develop the skills you need for self-management and time management. Counseling will give you a better understanding of others and the reasons for their behavior and your own. You will improve your relationships with your family and friends. Overall, you will be motivated to continue your work to improve yourself and your life. There is always the option to continue to seek out counseling on an as-needed basis for maintenance.