Who me? Yes, you! Not me. Then who? Everyone.
The year is 2019 and unfortunately stigmas about mental health counseling still exist. Although our field has made leaps and bounds in attempts to remove these stigmas, there are people who still refrain from getting the help they so desperately need. Mental health stigmas can create fears that admitting you need help is a sign of weakness. Some stigmas lead us to believe that only “crazy” people need counseling. The days of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest are gone people. It’s time for us to rid the stigmas once and for all. We need to face the facts: counseling is for everyone. Yes, even YOU!
Everyone experiences trials and tribulations. Life throws us curve balls that we were not anticipating. We get stuck in sticky situations. People get stressed, worried, and confused. In case no one has told you recently, it’s okay to not always be okay.
I am strong believer that everyone can benefit from counseling. Here are a few of the common reasons people, just like you, decide to go to counseling:
Phase of life stress
Many people seek counseling when they are struggling with whatever phase of the life they are in. Transitional stress is so common! We all experience changes in our lives. Think about your current phase of life. Do you need help adjusting? Are you getting ready to graduate? Have you recently started a new job? Are you adapting to changing family dynamics like a divorce or blended families? Are you retiring and having difficulty with this new identity? Transitioning into a new phase of life is tough. Counseling can help.
Repairing relationships
Humans are social beings. We crave relationships, social interactions, and connection. Relationships can be all encompassing. When relationships are in conflict or turmoil it hurts. Counseling helps you identify the root of those conflicts. You can learn how to develop healthy and effective tools for communicating and coexisting with others. Counseling can help you repair and improve your relationships. Or, if needed, counseling can be the supportive aid you need to heal from the loss of a relationship. Relationships can be rocky. Counseling can help.
Grief and loss
Everyone experiences grief in their lifetime; it is universal. When someone dies our world feels shattered and broken. Grief is understood to be an array of thoughts, feelings, and reactions we have after a loss. Grief is a pain that is felt in every fiber of our being. Has someone significant in your life died recently? Did someone you know experience a similar loss that has triggered past grief symptoms to resurface? A grief journey is lifelong, but healing from your grief symptoms is possible. How do you cope with grief and loss? Coming to grips with your grief symptoms isn’t always easy. Grief counseling can help.
Anxiety or depression
Anxiety and depression are considered the common colds of mental health disorders. We all experience bouts of depressive and anxious symptoms. It’s normal! However, if you feel like your anxiety or depression is starting to impair your functioning at home, work, school, or with your friends, it might be time to seek some help. Learn useful strategies to manage these symptoms in productive ways. Coping skills and self-care tips are vital ingredients to a healthier you. Is anxiety or depression present in your life? Counseling can help.
Trauma
Psychological trauma can take on many forms. Trauma ranges from minor disturbances to more severe, post traumatic stress symptoms. Car crashes, break ups, abuse and neglect are traumatic. Being excluded from the lunch table can be traumatic. Having a cavity filled can be traumatic! Experiencing trauma violates our right to feel safe and secure. Lingering effects of trauma can be problematic. Counseling can help.
Counseling is just for YOU!
How often do you get time to just yourself? An hour of undivided attention from a professional (like me!) who is trained to help you with your identified needs. Prioritizing yourself and investing your time and effort in yourself is a good thing! You deserve the best version of yourself. Counseling is just that–it’s designed with YOU in mind.
Have you decided that counseling is for YOU? Do you think you could benefit from addressing some of the above topics and making improvements in your own life?
Well here’s my number: 502-709-9159, so call me maybe!
Kary Stivers, LPCC