Counseling?

Question

I am 17. My parents just split up about a week ago. My mom was dropping me off at work (eck no, I can't drive yet) and she told me that she was going to go into AA and take counseling. She said in a couple months she thought it would be a good idea for me to take counseling too, to work out any issues I have from the abuse I've dealt with the past 6 years (verbal, not physical). I think I am fine. lol I've gotten tough to it over the years. You know? lol But do you think I should try it anyway and see what comes up or what? It sounds like it would be interesting to hear what they had to say, but I'm not one to share personal information very often. Opinions? Thanks. =)

I suppose it's fair to mention that alcoholism, drugs, and infidelity are involved. -_- Not me though! I despise the stuff.

Answer 1

Counseling isn't for everyone (and that's coming from a trainee counsellor). Some people find it unhelpful to look back at past problems and re-live traumas that they have experienced. However counselling can also be very beneficial to explore your thoughts and feelings and look at ways of moving forward with your life now; counselling isn't all about the past.

Don't expect too much from counselling, as it takes time to build a relationship with a therapist, but it can be a very rewarding relationship, and one which will be of great benefit to you.

A good counsellor will never offer you any advice, he/she is there only to listen to you and reflect back your feelings, so you can hear them back which will hopefully help you to help yourself.

And also counsellors are bound by a strict Confidentiality contact, which they will discuss with you at your first meeting, and this means that any information shared with them will be protected.

if you do choose to go for counselling, I hope all works out well, and it is worth a go. Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

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I would suggest you take up the chance when presented,
if you can go with an open mind you may find that it is very
beneficial to you.

You have lived through abuse and the consequences of others substance misuse and have 'gotten tough' maybe counselling or other therapy will give you a chance to really express your feelings, maybe for the first time, having been in therapy for both personal and professional training I can say that for me there were all sorts of emotions I had not expressed and 'hidden' even from myself, I deal with them now in this therapy and m a very much more relaxed and easy going ( not soft ) person for it.

So go for it, and shout if you want further info or to talk informally to me ...

Answer 3

As the world's largest association representing professional counselors in various practice settings, the American Counseling Association stands ready to serve nearly 55,000 members with the resources they need to make a difference. From webinars, publications, and journals to Conference education sessions and legislative action alerts, ACA is where counseling professionals turn for powerful, credible content and support.

Answer 4

First of all, great that your mom is going to AA. I am a very proud member of AA, it has given my life back to me and I dont have enough good things to say about it. There is a program that you can go to, its called Alateen. Its a program that comes from AA that helps family members thats parents ofr relatives are alcoholics. It helps you and addresses issues important to you. As far as the couceling, I think you shoul check it out, you dont have anything to lose. Talking to a stranger allows you to be honest and you can trust them.

Answer 5

I think the counseling would be very benificial. In the long run it could help you to build stronger relationships with everyone. Its good to be tough, but if your to tough you may end up pushing people away from you.

Answer 6

Sounds great to me! It certainly can't hurt. I go to a psychologist and it's really nice to talk to someone that CARES, and WANTS to listen. Even if you're uncomfortable at first, give it another chance. It may do wonders...

Answer 7

Defenitley do the counseling! It just may help u better ur life

Answer 8

Don't share your personal information ,Just hear what your counselor, It will be an interesting experience. Don't you agree with me?

Answer 9

I think you should go.talking to a stranger you can say anything you want and not worry about being judged.therapists are there to listen and offer help even if you do not think you need it.
Good luck to you.