April is National Counseling Awareness Month

  "Have you ever been to counseling? This is one of the first questions that I ask a new patient seeking therapy. It is an important question because the answer starts a dialogue that lays the foundation for the counselor-patient relationship.

 
  Counseling often carries a stigma. Some people believe that the need for mental health counseling is a sign of weakness. This could not be further from the truth. Identifying a need for and prioritizing ones mental health and wellness is in fact, a sign of strength. But why then, do people struggle with taking the steps to move forward with counseling, or in some cases return to or continue counseling when needed?

 
  While there are many factors involved in an individuals’ decision to pursue and actively participate in counseling, one area that is often identified is counselorpatient relationships. Some people have had unfavorable past experiences with a counselor, while others have heard stories of a similar situation. The counselor patient relationship is one of the single most important aspects of mental health counseling success.

 
  Consider this, when you are physically sick with a cold, the flu or you have significant physical pain, often without second thought you pick up the phone and call your primary care physician for an appointment. Most people even talk openly about their “doctor” appointments, diagnosis and treatment. If, for whatever reason, you don’t “click” with your physician, you don’t agree with his or her diagnosis or treatment plan or you just plain don’t like the person, it is unlikely that you will give up on all physicians and never again seek treatment for physical ailments. In some situations people will get a second opinion, which is seen as a wise decision.

 
  Contrary, when someone has had an unfavorable counseling experience or has known someone who has, it is common to not seek treatment or try again. Counseling often involves the exploration of intimate personal struggles that can be difficult to share. Working through these challenges requires time and commitment from both the counselor and the patient. With this in mind, it is easy to understand why one could feel more vulnerable in a counselor-patient relationship vs. a physician-patient relationship.

 
  Mental health counseling has changed over the years. The faces, backgrounds, areas of expertise and counseling styles of mental health counselors have also changed. It takes courage to seek the help of a mental health professional. It helps to understand that as mental health professionals, we understand that your life, your experiences and your needs are what make you a unique individual. The same holds true for us. In these aspects we are more alike than different.

Have you ever been to counseling? Whatever your answer, if you are considering counseling, challenge yourself during National Counseling Awareness Month to gain knowledge and explore options for counseling professionals in your area.