#WhyCounseling - 9 Reasons To Go To Therapy

I am often asked by people in my life why someone would want to go to counseling or how to know if someone is ready for counseling.  So here are nine reasons to go to counseling:

1. You’re in a big transition.
Transitions are a part of life.  Your transition can be a new job, a new house, moving across the country, starting at a new school, welcoming a new baby, starting an adoption or foster care journey, and many other life activities.  Sometimes, whether good or bad, happy or sad, transitions can be a stressor. Working with a counselor before, during, or after a transition can help you identify all of the different thoughts and feelings in each stage and provide support in the adjustment phase.

2. You want to learn better or more coping skills.
Sometimes the things we have done in life to help us in times of stress seem to stop working.  Our minds race when we try to read books or exercise feels more like an energy drain than a boost.  Working with a licensed counselor can help you identify patterns of thoughts or behaviors that previously worked and create space to explore new coping skills—because sometimes two heads are better than one when thinking about these things.  

3. You’re isolating yourself more.
Alone time can feel refreshing, but sometimes we realize we are spending more time alone than is healthy for us.  People are meant to be connected with others as a source of support, encouragement, and social output. If you notice it is harder to spend time with friends, family, or make social engagements, counseling may be beneficial in figuring out the root causes of isolation.

4. You feel strain in your relationships.
No one has perfect relationships, however, feeling strain in your relationships can be an extra stressor.  If you notice more tension, stress, or frustration in your relationships counseling can be helpful in assessing small changes to increase positive interactions and reduce strain.  

5. You’ve noticed your sleep patterns have changed.
Sleep is important to every day functioning.  If you noticed a change in your sleep patterns, like needing more sleep, needing less sleep, or frequently waking up, a counselor can help you assess potential reasons for this change.  Many counselors ask about sleep and sleep changes to help identify root causes of the change that may be related to mental or physical health.

6. You have thoughts about harming yourself or someone else.
If you ever have thoughts about harming yourself or someone else it is important you connect with a counselor.  A trusted counselor can help identify negative thinking cycles, strong sources of support, and provide feedback and plans for client safety.  If you have thoughts of harming yourself or someone else please call the national suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255.  

7. You want to talk to someone else.
Sometimes we can feel stuck in situations, and it is helpful to talk it out with someone outside of the situation.  Your counselor is exactly that—someone outside of the situation that can help you assess your thoughts, feelings, and impact on the situation that you may not always realize.

8. You want to thrive not just survive.
Life can be hard, and sometimes it feels like thriving in life is impossible.  A counselor can help you process through different life events, help create plans and strategy for change, and provide support and encouragement for thriving in life instead of feeling stuck just surviving.  

9. You just want to go to counseling.
This is probably the most important reason.  If you want to go to counseling that is all the reason you need.  Everyone has mental health. At Bethel Haven, we want to support each potential client in their journey toward wellness by providing access to counseling.  If you or someone you love wants to go to counseling, that is one of the best reasons to begin. You can call our office at 706-310-9046 to set up an appointment with one of our counselors.