How exactly does counseling help?

[Reality]

I might be seeing a counselor when I go back to school in two weeks, because I've been caught self-harming and I have anxiety/anger/depression problems, I'm not being forced to see one.. but I actually opted to.

I'm curious. When something f***s up badly in your life and you hit and all-time-low and start self-harming yourself, most people advise you to talk to your parents, your best friends, your most liked/understanding teacher or whoever else. I can see why, because obviously you trust these people.

But I don't get counseling, I've never had it before. How do strangers, although they're trained professionals, actually help you? I know they're trained on topics like self-harm and depression, but still.. I don't see how it can help you, whether or not you tell them.

What's your views on counseling, especially if you've had it? Is it actually all that helpful?

[DrkZ90]

well, I guess it's because the added benefit of privacy?... I mean, they can't go telling anyone whatever your problems are, so you can be 100% sure that you can say whatever you want without fear...

[byee]

Good for you for taking this step! Therapy is a wonderful experience if you allow it to be.

Depending on who you ask and what their perspective is (or if they're a therapist, what their training and orientation are), therapy (IMNSHO) works because of two very general reasons.

1) The therapist is trained to assess and treat emotional and behavioral problems, they know what you're feeling and doing, what *it* means, and why, and help you to understand it all. Thru that understanding comes the ability to choose other options to address those issues and feelings that cause you problems. People do what they do (and have problems) b/c they're trying to feel better, but approaching it in ways that don't work towards that end. The therapist also has training and experience in techniques to help manage yourself and those feelings/behaviors, so he can teach ou how to better resolve those feelings in healthier ways.

2) The therapist is first and foremost a person. He uses his 'personhood' to provide a supportive, caring environment to explore all these issues safely. Thru that, develops a relationship. It's thru that relationship that you begin to feel better, too. If you're like me, you know that people and relationships we've had make us who we are today (the good ones and the bad ones). So, by having a good relationship (and a therapist specializes in as close to the 'perfect' relationship you could probably have, if you allow yourself to be open to that), you can grow and develop more as a person and gain the confidence and abilities to master not only the original problems, but life's other issues as well.

Give it time, though, it takes a while to develop the rapport required to really benefit from both aspects of the process And good for you for taking this step. Be open to it, it's perhaps the best thing you can experience!

Good luck!

[Reality]

Ahh. Well thanks SAM. I understand it better now. lol.

[STAYING_STRONG4HIM]

Here's my view on counseling...
First of all, I really admire you for going to counseling. I know that it's not always the easiest thing to do. Secondly, I just suggest that you go into counseling with an open mind and that you are completely honest. The counselor can't help you if you don't be honest with them. I go to a counselor and it has helped me some. I can understand what you mean though. Counselors don't always work and their not always the best for everyone. I guess you just got to find the right counselor. It has helped me quite a bit though...whether I need someone to just talk to...someone I can tell anything and still keep it private...or if I need some help with a situation or just help sorting out how I feel and sort out what I am thinking. Counseling has worked pretty good for me. I know my ex-boyfriend used to go to a counselor too and it has helped him tremendously. It's amazing the difference it can make in people's lives.

[wavey]

ive had CBT and nearing the end until my recent anxiety shock. i think i need more sessions.

It does help if you can open up./

[Antares]

I have never had professional counseling but I will say, IT WORKS!

It lets you...talk.
Freely.
Without judgement and I think that is the best cure.
It provides support. Constant support for you and they also suggest ways of...well surviving.

I highly encourage counseling to anyone that thinks they need it

[ebony15]

Maybe you shouldnt be so angry and try giving it a chance??
..You have to learn to trust people sometimes..even if their strangers..
people who want to help you just care ok?