Asking yourself this question suggests that you could be struggling. Counselling from a skilled professional may benefit you if you:
- often feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or irritable;
- are unable to find solutions to challenges;
- find that trauma or grief affects your daily functioning or relationships;
- turn to drugs, alcohol, or food to escape unpleasant situations or thoughts;
- feel disconnected from the people around you;
- have unshakable habits and “rules” that cause you untold stress.
Talking with a trained counsellor who is skilled at listening can help you process difficult thoughts and feelings, understand yourself better, and get a clearer sense of what you want and need. Honest sharing with a qualified counsellor outside of your circle can offer you a fresh perspective and the tools to move forward.
Can’t I just talk to my friends about my problems?
It’s very helpful to reach out to people around you who you trust. However, you may remain stuck and require specialist support and tools. Sometimes friends and family are part of the problem and may not have the time or insight to help you, or are burdened with their own issues.
Isn’t counselling only for ‘crazy’ or weak people?
Seeing a counsellor doesn’t necessarily mean you have serious emotional or mental problems. Almost everyone has difficulties and challenges at some point and asking for help is actually a sign of strength; it shows that you are taking responsibility for your well-being. It takes a lot of courage to explore sensitive feelings and painful experiences and to challenge and change destructive behaviours and thought processes.
Will the counsellor understand what I am going through if they have not had a similar experience, or come from the same background as me?
Counsellors are professionally trained to treat a variety of crises and issues and to be sensitive and respectful of individual differences in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, and socio-economic status.
Will counselling “fix” me and my problems?
Counselling is not a “quick fix.” The counsellor will help you to explore and understand your feelings, behaviours, and concerns, and to examine your options. A good counsellor will create a safe space for you where you feel accepted and free to share and unburden your innermost fears.
Does having counselling mean that I do not have enough faith in God to take care of me?
While prayers and complete trust in God is beneficial, God often provides knowledgeable people with tools to assist us. Doctors help us with physical ailments, and counsellors help us with our emotional and mental health.
If you decide you need counselling, call LifeAssist to speak to a counsellor and arrange an online or face-to-face session. That way you can find out if counselling is a tool that will be of benefit to you.