Health Blog

Should I shop around and are there questions to ask? Should I just trust my intuition?

Interviewing several professionals will let you find out if they have the expertise and personal style that works best for you. If you are honest with yourself, you will know whether you are playing it safe by picking someone who will just agree with you or if it really is not a good match. You can trust yourself only if you are willing to be honest with yourself. Do not waste your time or theirs.

How much personal counseling has the counselor had?

Your professional provider is also a human being with his or her own history and pain. Their willingness and ability to face and resolve it demonstrates their faith in their own profession. There is a unique perspective gained from having undergone life’s struggles. The vulnerability of seeking professional help adds to the empathy and compassion they can show you. Professionals are not perfect people with perfect histories and lives. Do not expect them to be, or yourself, for that matter.

How long does it take?

In regards to the session time itself; most professionals keep with the traditional 50-minute hour. Depending on your specific circumstance, you may be seen several times a week, once a week, every other week or on an as-needed basis.

As far as calendar time, it depends on how long it takes for you to reach your agreed-upon treatment goals. The length of time depends on two important factors. The first is the competence of the professional provider you choose. Please choose wisely. The second is how willing you are to face and change the ways you stop yourself from being healthy and happy.

Is it always about the painful past?

Counseling and psychotherapy is not always about the past, nor is it always painful. At times, we have to face the pain in our lives in order to make things better. Pain just lets you know that what you are doing is not working. It is an indicator of where the healing is needed. Your resistance to change can cause as much pain as hanging on. Learning to be honest and to letting go creates healing and happiness. Most people in counseling and psychotherapy already have pain in their life. It is the joy and peace they are finally learning to let in.

How do I get the most out of my sessions?

One of the best ways to get the most out of your sessions is regular honest participation. If you know where you are starting and where you want to go, then it is easier to plot the fastest, direct course to take. Have a clear treatment assessment, goal and plan. Many clients and patients take notes during their sessions for review later. Many keep journals in between sessions so they do not forget the important issues to bring up. Asking if you, the client or patient, have an agenda for the session is a very common greeting from professional providers. This is your session and life, what do you want?

When is it time to change professionals or stop sessions?

It is time to change professionals when you no longer feel confident that you will benefit from further sessions. It is time to stop when you have met your treatment goals and now have the life you enjoy living.

If I have a complaint, how do I resolve it?

First, always attempt to resolve any difference with the professional directly. Often there is a simple misunderstanding or miscommunication that can be cleared up through an open and honest discussion. Professionals are people too and none of them are perfect. They do make mistakes. If that does not work, you can turn to the state licensing and professional organization. They can advise you on what steps to take next. They can investigate any claims of unethical practices and take disciplinary action. If all else fails, you may file against your counselor in civil court.

What about self-help groups, seminars, books and tapes?

There is a lot of excellent material available that can supplement, but never replace, competent counseling or psychotherapy. Life has sorrow caused by ignorance. Education overcomes ignorance. Information is power. Become well informed about your life. Self-help groups are a great social support system of people who are going through what you are. Their empathy can support either your staying stuck or your healing. The self-help industry produces more books, seminars and tapes than anyone can possibly read. Within each are some truths. The problem is that many offer conflicting ideas and can be very confusing. The mixed messages you can get from too many experts can create as many problems as they are trying to solve. From each, take what is useful and directly applies to you. Discard the rest.

Thanks for listening, for the opportunity to be of some small service, and for having the courage and wisdom to seek professional help as needed along this journey.

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Psychlogical Issues by Candice