Things To Consider
If you are considering therapy, you may be asking yourself some questions. You may be wondering if you need to talk with someone. Sometimes the reason you need counseling is because there is someone in your life that may need it too.
How do you know when you need professional counseling?
When you have tried to change something in your life and you can’t then counseling may help you make that change. Sometimes you may not be sure of how or what to change, but you are unhappy in your life situation.
A counselor can help you decide on a solution and guide you in making that change. In many cases, the situation cannot be changed, but you can learn how to accept that situation by talking with a professional. This process will help you look at things differently and create an attitudinal shift. Over time, you will see a reduction in stress and other unwanted behaviors.
Most importantly, if you or your family members experience symptoms of depression or anxiety, getting to the root of the problem and making lifestyle changes can reduce these symptoms.
How can I help a loved one who refuses to seek help?
Please come to therapy on your own. There are most likely some things that you can say or do differently in the relationship that can help implement change in your loved one. Also, remember, you are being affected by the symptomatic individual. If you reduce your own stress and do everything within your means to change, this will give you peace of mind. You can also be informed of ways you can mandate a person to seek help if this becomes necessary.
What should I consider before choosing a counselor?
Because not all counselors are the same, consider these questions before choosing a counseling service:
- Will my counselor conduct a thorough evaluation and create an individualized treatment plan for me?
- Will my counselor answer my questions in a straightforward manner that I can understand?
- Will my counselor help me to explore different options to solving my problems?
- Will my counselor provide the support and reassurance I need to make important changes in my life?
- Will my counselor return my calls if I need guidance between appointments?
- Will my counselor treat me with respect and compassion?
- Will my counselor understand that I am more than a mental health diagnosis and attend to all aspects of my well being?
- Will my counselor not abandon me or judge me if I am struggling in therapy?
- Will my counselor see me at times that are convenient for me?
- Will my counselor be available to communicate with others involved in my care?
All counselors at WWC meet these standards of excellence regarding their clients’ care. You are welcome to visit WWC and view our comfortable therapy rooms before scheduling an evaluation with a counselor. Contact us today.
Why you may want to notify your PCP
As complex individuals, our mental health and physical well being are not distinct from each another. In fact, they are closely tied together. Therefore, the stress of problems in our daily lives impacts our physical health, and likewise, the diagnosis of a physical illness affects our mental health and outlook on life. Sometimes, a thorough physical examination can detect a condition that is the root of a mental health problem.
In this era of specialization, it is often necessary to consult a variety of medical service providers. Your primary care physician, PCP, is responsible for coordinating and managing your overall health care. To effectively accomplish this, it is important for your PCP to see the “big picture” regarding your medical condition through discussions with you and collaboration with other providers. WWC offers you the option of notifying your PCP regarding your decision to seek professional counseling.
Why your counselor may recommend that you see a psychiatrist
Just as your PCP has you consult specialists and undergo testing to confirm a diagnosis or eliminate suspicion of a specific physical condition, your counselor may suggest that you make an appointment with a psychiatrist for similar reasons. This is likely when your counselor thinks that your distress may be due to more complex symptoms.
Because it may take a while for new patients to obtain an appointment with a psychiatrist, you can consult your PCP regarding prescription medication that may relieve your troublesome symptoms in the meantime. The end result is often a faster and less painful return to better mental health as you continue counseling.
When community-based social service agencies can help
When financial resources are lacking, community-based social service agencies, government programs and private foundations may help you and your family attain a goal set in counseling.
If your symptoms are so severe that they interfere with education, training, employment or the activities of daily living, your counselor will guide you to supportive services. A case manager can help to coordinate these services, if necessary. While you may need transportation to medical appointments, other people may need in-home services. And while you may not have money for your mental health medications, other people may need to find new occupations to accommodate their disabilities. It is not unusual to require intensive treatment or extra services when dealing with mental health problems.
You can find phone numbers and website links to many of these service providers under Community Resources and Partners.
Value of support groups
How often have you looked around and thought that no one has problems like yours? How many times have you felt lonely and isolated? Have you wondered why no one seemed to understand your fears? Your frustrations? Your needs? In truth, there may be many others facing the same challenges you do.
Support groups bring together people in similar situations. In these groups you will meet others who understand how you feel and have compassion for you because they face the same challenges. Through conversation, you can learn and benefit from others’ experiences. In return, others can gain insight from you. Over time, you may form friendships that lift your spirits and promote healing.
