COUNSELING AWARENESS IS CELEBRATED EVERY APRIL. WEAR TEAL ON APRIL 14 TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH AND SUPPORT COUNSELORS! This year’s American Counseling Associations theme is Get Fit for your Future. Counselor’s spend lots of time taking care of others so it is very important for them to remember to care for themselves mentally, spiritually, socially, emotionally and physically. By staying fit counselor’s are able to continue to give their best during the counseling session.
Why should I reach out to a counselor? Counseling is not just for times that you are feeling challenged emotionally. Counseling can be a place of exploration and growth both in your personal and professional life.
What should I expect from a counselor? During the initial counseling session, you should expect to be welcomed by your counselor in a way that makes you feel both safe and comfortable. The counselor should inform you of who they are by disclosing the type of license they hold and in which state, their education, years in practice, therapeutic expectations and guidelines, confidentiality, mandatory reporting, and HIPAA guidelines.
What should I say to the counselor? WHATEVER YOU WANT TO SAY! The session environment should feel safe enough for you to say WHATEVER YOU WANT TO SAY! It is always a good idea to let the counselor know the reason you chose to come into counseling.
Will the counselor give me advice? Counselor’s DO NOT give advice. Counselor’s offers tools and techniques to navigate your thoughts and feelings. The counselor will offer guidance and support.
Will I take any tests? Counselor’s often use assessment tools to gather information to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. They will always gather information regarding your biopsychosocial history to assist in evaluating your needs.
What are typical goals in counseling? Everyone has different goals they want to accomplish in therapy. Some typical goals are improving relationships, changing behaviors, enhancing personal potential, and self-enrichment.
Will I be in counseling FOREVER? You will collaborate with your counselor to determine your therapeutic goals. Once you have met your therapeutic goals you may be discharged from therapy. You and your counselor will decide when terminating will happen based on your therapeutic goals.
Having a safe place to express yourself is important to staying fit and moving towards a healthy future. Reach out and contact a counselor and help bring awareness to counseling through first hand experience.
Christine Johnson,LPC-S, LPC, CCTP, CCATP