The Courage of Asking is Counseling for Me?
Are you in a place where you are wondering if counseling may be your next step? From time to time many of us may find ourselves thinking about counseling and whether or not it might benefit us. We may find ourselves wrestling with the idea. This internal self-talk may sound something like this:
Is counseling really for me? Is something wrong with me? If I go to a counselor, does this mean that I am not strong enough on my own?
There is no exact formula for why counseling might be sought after. It’s as individualized as each person. While there is no formula, here are a few reasons why counseling may be beneficial.
Sometimes we simply desire to grow into a healthier version of ourselves, and this may involve learning to be more comfortable and confident in our own skin as we grow into who we are made to be.
Other times we know that we want better ways to cope with hard things including anxiety, depression, and anger, and we seek support for improving our coping skills, prioritizing self-care, and reducing our stress.
At times we want to improve our relationships, and by seeking to grow yourself, it can only have a positive impact on your closest relationships with others.
Sometimes we get to a point in life where we feel stuck, hopeless, and not sure how to even begin to move forward. Counseling can be the step that someone takes that helps them shift from feeling stuck to moving forward.
Sometimes we are heartbroken and devastated by grief and loss and/or trauma, and we are not meant to walk through this alone or silent.
At times we are in the midst of life transitions and adjustments. In walking through life transitions and adjustments, anxiety, depression, heartbreak, grief, and stress may be your constant companions.
Sometimes we know that we are not functioning well at all, and we feel desperate to move towards a place of wellness and hope again.
Other times we are sitting with something that we have never told a soul, and it’s time to bring it into the light and start the healing process.
Sometimes we can not even name why we might be drawn to counseling. We may just not feel like ourselves or just continue to long for a more meaningful life. It’s like there’s this under the surface kind of pull towards counseling even if we can not name exactly why we might benefit from it.
Sometimes our greater culture tells us that having emotions and needing to talk about feelings makes us weak. Yet, the opposite is actually true. Acknowledging and naming our emotions actually takes great courage. In fact, it is in the facing and feeling of these emotions that the healing and growth happens.
Are you in a place where counseling may be your next step? If so, take heart and know that by pursuing counseling you are choosing to show up for yourself with vulnerability and courage.
Elizabeth B. Burton is a licensed professional counselor and life coach with Burton Counseling, PLLC. Elizabeth lives just outside of Chattanooga, TN.; you can learn about Elizabeth here and about services provided here. Elizabeth also provides support to individuals and groups through an online course on Coping with Anxiety & Stress and through providing workshops and speaking opportunities. Elizabeth communicates about mental health and well-being through both the Narrating Hope newsletter and podcast as well as through her writing. Elizabeth would love to connect with you and welcomes you to sign up for the newsletter, listen in to the podcast, reach out about working together, and connect on social media.