Counseling

Clarifying My Role as Your Counselor

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When someone has never been to counseling, it’s often assumed that my role is to tell you what to do and how to do it, to determine right and wrong, and to tell you what your values and morals should be. None of that is my role. I do not judge you, your choices or your life experiences. Also remember that all counselors are different in the way they interact with their clients. There are various approaches and many ways to work with clients, so try to remember that if you change counselors.You have to find the right connection with your counselor. If you don’t click with your counselor, it doesn’t make them bad or good, it’s just not the right fit. It’s imperative that you find the right fit for you.

My role as your counselor is to:

  • Be your helper
  • Give you a safe space to verbally process your thoughts, feelings and experiences
  • Give you empathy and understanding although that is not an indication of right and wrong; you have to determine that for yourself
  • Give you insight as to what is healthy vs. unhealthy behaviors and choices
  • Assist you in managing your mental health symptoms
  • Offer you psychoeducation
  • Teach you coping skills and techniques
  • Offer suggestions, make recommendations and make referrals
  • Offer support, validation and coaching

I’m sure there are other aspects to my role that I have not thought of and I will add to the list as I recall. If you have questions about my role, your role, or the experience of therapy, please don’t ever hesitate to ask.

Who needs counseling?

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So many people are misinformed about counseling, what it is and who needs it. IF YOU ARE HUMAN, YOU NEED COUNSELING. PERIOD.

Counseling is for any human who experiences a challenge, wants to heal trauma, wants to grow, wants to manage a mental health condition, is stuck in a rut, wants to better their communication, conflict resolution, or wants to learn to set boundaries among just a few reasons.

What is counseling? It’s a neutral space where there’s understanding, no judgment, validation, guidance, and empathy. Think of a counselor as your own personal support person, like a personal trainer for your life instead of just for working out. The person who is in your corner, who walks beside you, who challenges you, does so in an environment that’s completely yours and entirely safe.

I have been in and out of therapy since I was 11 years old. I LOVE going to therapy! It’s the safest space I have ever encountered. Not all therapists are the same, so it’s imperative to find one who jives with your personality and needs. Sometimes it takes talking to a few different licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family counselor or licensed clinical social worker to find a good fit for you, however sometimes it happens on the first try. I’m of the mind that if I’m not the right fit for you, I’m happy to help you find another counselor who is a better fit. I just want people to get the help they need.

Try to remember that therapy only works as well as you are willing to work hard. You get what you put into it. If you want a place to just complain, then that may not be the best reason to go to therapy. Therapy isn’t a set number of sessions per problem. It depends on what you want to achieve. Most people should be in and out of therapy throughout their entire lives. We often go to therapy for one issue and then find there are others to work through. Therapy may take months to years and there is a unique plan for everyone. It’s best not to compare your therapy experience to that of another person as each experience is very individualized.

If you have questions about therapy, please feel free to leave them in the comment section!