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Simply stated, counseling is a relationship in which a professional
helps another person better understand and deal with their issues
or difficulties in order to help them improve their quality of life.
Counseling is a process of change and it can be challenging. It requires
time and effort but it is worth it. Counseling relationships can be
short-term (one to a few sessions) or long-term depending on the issues
addressed.
A counselor is a professional who listens
to your problems and helps you to create the tools to deal with
your issues in a more positive, effective and healthy manner. A
good counselor should be genuine, respectful, non-judgmental, objective,
supportive and knowledgeable, in order to create a safe and comfortable
environment for the client.
Some common myths or misconceptions about counseling:
- Only “crazy” people seek counseling. Truth: People
can seek counseling for a variety of “normal and sane”
reasons such as dealing with a divorce, grief, stress, career
issues, spirituality, personal growth, anger, sadness, childhood
abuse issues…etc.
- Going to counseling means you are a “weak” person.
Truth: Being human and asking for help does not mean you are weak.
Some of us are lucky enough to have a good support system that
we can turn to for help. Others are not as fortunate or may simply
feel uncomfortable talking to family and friends about certain
topics.
- Counseling should be your last resort to deal with problems.
Truth: This is truly an unfortunate yet common misconception.
Many people view counseling as a way to deal with life problems
once they have developed, but it can also be used as prevention.
Just as prevention is important in the medical field, it can also
be used in the counseling field to improve the overall quality
of life by learning healthy ways to cope with life’s many
challenges.
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