Have you ever scheduled an appointment with your primary care doctor for a routine physical matter, only to end up with a counseling referral after spending twenty minutes in her/his office, sobbing about how stressful and overwhelming your life has become?
Did you choose not to follow your doctor's suggestion? You are not alone.
Many people shy away from counseling for a variety of reasons. Over the years, I've heard most of those reasons at least 163 times. Some of the more common reasons are; Counseling is too expensive.
I don't have enough time to attend regular sessions.
Counseling is only for crazy people.
And my favorite.... If people find out I'm in therapy, they will judge me or think something is wrong with me.
The unifying emotion in all the reasons mentioned above is FEAR.
Fear of not having enough money. Fear of being judged. Fear of time. Fear of the unknown.
Fears often create negative thought distortions which can prevent a person from reaching his/her full potential and can even cause unwanted disruptions in everyday life.
Redirecting negative thought distortions and calming fears are an important factor in gaining over-all better health. It's no secret that good mental health is part of over-all health and well being.
If you're afraid to give counseling a try-or, if you think you already know everything about therapy, or that therapy is about little more than endlessly discussing feelings and sorting out fights with loved ones? Think again. Therapy can also include life skills coaching, mental health care, and goal planning, all rolled into one.
The truth is, you don’t have to be mentally ill or in major crisis to benefit from a few counseling sessions. Here are ten surprising ways therapy—or, as it is often called, counseling– can improve your life:
1. You won't be so afraid.
2. You will feel more comfortable in your own skin.
3. Your relatives and coworkers won't piss you off as much.
4. You will be able to cope with negative life events in a healthier manner.
4. You will know and understand yourself better.
5. Situations from your past won't haunt you as much.
6. You will have more tools to help you reach your goals.
7. You will grow mentally, emotionally and even spiritually, if you're religious or spiritual.
8. You will have healthier personal and professional relationships.
9. You will be more accepting of others.
10 You will feel more content.
Now, about that counseling referral from your primary care physician. Be brave. Step out of your comfort zone by following your doctor's advice. Seek out a licensed professional you feel comfortable with, who is trained to help you deal with the stressful overwhelming areas of your life. Your health and well being will thank you for it.
Misti Luke MSW, LCSW provides outpatient therapy and counseling to motivated adult populations in her private practice office located in Broken Bow Oklahoma. For correspondence, misti@mistiluke.com
Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog does not guarantee positive counseling results in areas mentioned. The purpose of this article is to identify some areas of life which have the potential for improvement with professional assistance. There are benefits and risks associated with counseling. Discuss these and other health related concerns with a licensed professional heath care provider in your area.