When should I seek counseling?

From childhood through late adulthood, there are certain times in everyone’s lives in which problems arise that make them experience emotional distress or impact their ability to function the way they would like to. When someone is experiencing these types of difficulties, they could very well benefit from the assistance of an experienced, trained professional. Licensed Professional Counselors offer caring, expert assistance that many individuals often benefit from during these stressful times. A counselor can assist in identifying problems and provide effective ways to cope with the situation by changing behaviors that contribute to the problem or by finding constructive ways to deal with a situation that is beyond one’s personal control. Professional counselors also work with their client’s in helping them understand what the root causes of their distress is, which ultimately allows for genuine growth and an ability to find authentic happiness in their lives.   

 Dr. Gail Robinson (former president of the American Counseling Association) states the following regarding when someone should pursue counseling:

 "Good indicators of when you should seek counseling are when you're having difficulties at work, your ability to concentrate is diminished or when your level of pain becomes uncomfortable," "However, you don't want to wait until the pain becomes unbearable or you're at the end of your rope."

Joyce Breasure, past president of the American Counseling Association and a professional counselor who has been in private practice for more than 20 years, recommends counseling when you:

 •Spend 5 out of 7 days feeling unhappy

•Regularly cannot sleep at night

•Are taking care of a parent or a child and the idea crosses your mind that you may want to hit that person

•Place an elder in a nursing home or in alternative care

•Have lost someone or something (such as a job)

•Have a chronic or acute medical illness

•Can no longer prioritize what is most important in your life

•Feel that you can no longer manage your stress