The thought of going to counselling can be daunting. It could even feel pointless to some. But counselling is so much more than just sitting on a couch.
It is incredibly beneficial not only to those going through an extremely hard time but also for those who are not. We all have things we deal with, which is why counselling is a form of self-care everyone can benefit from.
Here’s why:
We all go through big changes.
Big changes in life can be challenging and it is normal to need a little help getting through a tough period. It could be a new baby, new family dynamic, a move or even a big career change.
As we have said, counselling is a lot more than just sitting down and talking about your feelings. Counselling is sitting down with a trained professional and developing skills and techniques to help to reduce or at the very least manage life’s stressors.
We all go through rough times
If you had a toothache, you would visit the dentist, so why would you not go to a counsellor if you were going through a rough mental period? We all go through rough times.
Talking things through with someone who is professionally trained in effectively dealing with difficult times is a very brave and positive step. We all go through them, but it is how we handle them that defines us.
You see your thoughts from a different perspective
Talking about your feelings and verbalizing your thoughts can immediately help you to see them differently. Talking with a counsellor can help you to see things from a stranger’s perspective which in turn will help you to see that side of things too.
Gives you a greater sense of self-awareness
Talking about your feelings with a counsellor can help you to see yourself as a third person. Seeing yourself from the outside helps to give you a greater sense of self-awareness. A great sense of self can impact hugely on your self-confidence and feeling comfortable and proud in your own skin.
A problem shared is a problem halved
Speaking to a counsellor about a problem you may be having can almost immediately take a weight off your shoulders. By sharing your problem and saying it out loud, it often feels like you can breathe again.
Keeping feelings bottled up can have a lasting effect on your mood and even your behaviour. Having someone you can share them with who will listen will not only lighten the load but also help you feel less alone.