Millions of people live with mental health conditions. Counseling, whether it’s individual, group, or family, can be a vital resource when you feel like you may need additional support. It should in no way be viewed as a sign of weakness or that an individual is “broken.” Therapy can serve as an invaluable learning experience and a source of empowerment into understanding how you or a loved one operate and equip you with invaluable tools on managing your mental health.
What can counseling help with?
Therapy can treat a variety of mental health issues and disorders. Here are just a few conditions and concerns counseling can assist with:
- Anxiety
- Depressive disorders
- PTSD
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Anger and stress
- Relationship issues
- Bipolar disorder
- Grief and loss
- ADHD
Keep in mind that you should thoroughly research any counselor before you proceed with therapy. Many counselors have their own types of specialties, and you should have an idea of what you’d like to discuss in sessions.
Advantages of counseling: how it might change your life
Potential benefits of counseling can extend to all areas of life and offers the chance to explore challenges and develop coping mechanisms. Whether you're curious about a specific issue or simply pursuing personal growth, therapy can provide the support you need to lead a healthier life. Read on to discover seven top counseling benefits.
1. Revolutionize relationships
Communication is an essential part of any relationship. Whether you go to counseling alone or with a loved one, qualified therapists can help you learn healthier ways to interact and build more stable bonds. The most effective form of positive relationship building comes from better listening and speaking with intent. A good therapist can help you work on your blind spots and be better at communicating.
2. Improve resilience
Counseling can help navigate life’s setbacks and develop your adaptability to unpredictable situations. This can help build your confidence when it comes to facing challenges. Therapists can help you work on coping skills and teach you valuable tools to deal with adversity.
3. Practice mindfulness
If thoughts and worries overwhelm you, therapy can assist you in prioritizing mindfulness, or the ability to be self-aware or present in the moment. Practicing mindfulness can lessen stress, improve focus, and enhance your overall well-being. Mindfulness is like meditating while fully present, and research shows that mindfulness, once mastered, can be highly beneficial for mental health.
4. Understand thought process and curtail negative thoughts
Counseling can help identify thought patterns and intrusive thoughts and advise on what you can do to quiet them. Understanding when your mind turns to negativity can lead to an improved outlook. The ‘mind over matter’ concept is not instant; it takes practice. Working with a therapist can teach you ‘tricks of the trade’, in how to stop your mind from unraveling or going down a rabbit hole.
5. Enhance communication
Communication is key in every avenue of life. Therapy helps you to hone your communication skills, express yourself more clearly, and become a better listener. Communication is also highly tied into confidence, insecurity, and fear of an undesired outcome. When we get a better handle on our emotional blind spots, we learn to express ourselves with more purpose and less fear.
6. Feel safe and secure when sharing
Counseling can provide a non-judgmental space to share insecurities without fear of criticism or rejection. It offers objectivity and security when it comes to understanding your cognitive health. While that trust takes some time to build, therapy can be a safe place, once a connection between you and your therapist is established. Like any relationship, it takes reciprocity and patience, but the reward is worth the wait.
7. Love yourself
One of the most fundamental reasons to seek mental health care is to feel better towards yourself. Eventually, those feelings can transcend into behaviors that allow you to take better care of yourself, which is amazingly beneficial for your overall physical health. It may sound cliché, but self-love really is all it's cracked up to be.
Becoming a more whole and happy person means you have a better capacity to care for and love others.
How to make the most of counseling and therapy
Therapy may feel a little daunting when you first begin. But in order to get the most value out of talking to a professional, you need to be open, honest, and prepared. You should be transparent about what you want out of therapy and prepared with questions about your thoughts, feelings, and your counselor’s approach. Being vulnerable can be uncomfortable, and it is essential to the process. Knowing what you want to tackle is important, as it provides a roadmap for what the session will cover. Some additional tips include:
- Goal setting: As you progress with counseling, talk to your therapist about reaching clear-cut goals and adjusting as needed.
- Attending sessions: Making the effort to go to therapy regularly can foster a strong working relationship with your therapist.
- Be brave: Be prepared to hear some hard truths (in time), and share some scary, deep-hidden secrets. You will feel lighter once you have shed them.
- Consistency is key: Consistently completing any take-home exercises and applying your newfound knowledge to practical situations will be a great advantage to your overall mental health.
Get further support at Comprehend the Mind
Counseling services can be an invaluable resource to many, and some may want additional support to better understand themselves or a loved one. Comprehend the Mind does not offer therapy services, but it does offer a variety of neuropsychological assessments to employ you with the necessary tools.
