Someone recently wished me a good day as a counselor with, “Give good advice!” It struck me that many people may see that as the role of a counselor. I have also heard spouses share their partner’s reluctance to join couples counseling because, “They don’t need someone to tell them what to do.” There are many reasons to go to a counselor and benefits to gain from the experience. However, the role of a counselor is actually not to give advice.
Here are some reasons to seek counseling you may not have thought of:
- Talking to someone that is objective, caring and skilled at listening to what is troubling you can provide relief as you process how you want to move forward.
- Processing a difficult matter with someone you trust to keep it confidential when you are not ready to share it with family members or friends.
- Seeking insight of someone trained to help you cope with the issue that brought you to counseling whether it be anxiety, depression, marital problems, grief, parenting, anger, etc.
- Gaining the facilitating skills of a counselor to keep family or couple discussions calmer and more productive.
- Finding someone for a struggling child, adolescent or teen to talk to in a safe, confidential place.
Each of these examples is about developing a relationship with a trusted counselor that allows you to process your issue in a safe setting that promotes insight and growth.
Thinking about it? Give it a try.
