Misconceptions regarding mental health counseling

This is often based on societal stigma or learned behavior.  Some people may feel that if they are struggling with symptoms, they are not strong enough to handle them.  However, symptoms can be outside of our control.  This does not make us weak; it makes us human.  Symptoms do not identify us; they identify what we are thinking or feeling.

Clinicians offer support and guidance along with encouragement.  Clinicians will also challenge previous and/or current patterns, including negative, irrational, or distorted thoughts or behaviors to assist in replacing them with healthier thoughts and behaviors.

Yes, there will be times when you may feel uncomfortable in sessions due to the nature of discussion as difficult stressors, events, thoughts, and behaviors are explored and processed.  Such unpleasantries can bring upon strong emotions.  However, Clinicians remain as a supportive presence and may be able to assist in managing this discomfort while promoting healing.

In today's world, it is completely understandable to have concerns regarding financial responsibilities.  Insurance companies will be billed, and adjustments can be made according to household income.  You should have an open, honest conversation with your Clinician should financial concerns arise.

Many of us will make time for others as well as make time for outside responsibilities.  We forget that we are also important and deserve "me time" too.  Think of the inflight announcement when flight attendants encourage us to place the oxygen masks on ourselves first in order to assist others with their masks.  They encourage this because if we lose our own oxygen, we cannot help others.

It is true that family and friends can serve as an important source of support for us.  However, there may be things we may not say as we do not want to feel judged or make them worry about our struggles.  It is helpful to have an unbiased person to discuss things we may fear saying to our loved ones or refrain from saying to them because we want to protect them.  Also, our loved ones may not be trained in the mental health field, and therefore a clinician can assist in the development of coping techniques and strategies to help manage symptoms.

Sometimes, a previous Clinician may not have been a good fit for you.  Or, maybe, you were encouraged by others to start therapy yet weren't quite ready.  This does not mean that therapy does not work for you.  It just may mean that you need to find your right fit, or that you are now ready to talk things through and make some changes in a positive direction.

Although certain stressors and mental health conditions are unavoidable, changes can be made to assist in managing stressors and symptoms as well as potentially avoiding future negative reactions to situations.

Let's face it: when it's personal, it's personal.

Although empathizing with others can offer us perspective, we run the risk of minimizing our own symptoms when comparing ourselves to others.  Although we may view our issues, concerns, or symptoms as minor, it is still important to explore and process what is happening.  It is especially important if it is interfering with our daily functioning, causing us to feel alone, or if our feelings last longer than expected.