Can counseling make things worse?

Not likely. However, there is a caveat to this answer. It would be unusual for counseling to make things worse, but that does not mean it will be an easy process.

When people come to a mental health professional, they have been avoiding something they do not want to face or are reluctant to confront. We all have parts of our lives that are difficult for us to face. Counseling often forces us to face these things.

So, although counseling will rarely make things worse, it will be painful at times. That is okay, though, because if you have found an appropriate counseling professional to work with you, that person will help you get through the rough patches during counseling.

For many people, counseling can be an anxiety-provoking process, especially if they have spent years trying to run from certain feelings or past experiences. Recognize that you are not alone in the process; your counselor will be there with you during this process, guiding and encouraging you along the way.

If you feel anxious about the counseling process, contact a counseling professional and ask them how they view it. Many professionals are more than happy to answer a few questions via telephone or email. A good question to ask is: What happens during the first live session?

Asking a question like this allows a mental health therapist to discuss what they usually ask during a first session and what you can expect. By having this information available, you may feel less anxious about making an appointment and speaking with a counselor.

Also, some online counseling platforms offer text-based counseling. People who are anxious about counseling or want to share information that they find embarrassing or painful can be a better alternative than speaking with a counseling professional in person or via video. Not having someone looking at you can help lessen your fear of being judged.

So, although counseling will not often make things worse, it will force you to step outside your comfort zone and face areas of your life you may not want to face. This is why counselors are specifically trained to help guide people through these painful transitions.