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

There is nothing wrong with at least going to counseling and see what it's all about. Sometimes it's just nice to have someone not related to you (a near-stranger) to talk to about stuff. You'd be suprised what might come out!

Answer 2

I think its a great idea. I used to be very skeptical and cynical about counselors and shrinks too. However, after I got myself into a bit of a jam and was required to see one for a 10 week cycle, I had to seriously rethink my opinion of them. I was certainly never one to share my personal information with anyone either. I bottle up my emotions at all costs and usually only shared them with a journal. But there is such an amazing comfort level at the counselors because they are legally bound to keep everything confidential.

When I first started attending counseling I thought they were going to start forcing problems on me that I didn't have. Start making me believe I was crazy or something was really wrong with me. I was pleasantly surprised to find my counselor quickly became a confidante for me, someone with an outside opinion of my situation. The crazy part was that often times the opinion he spoke back to me after I started going over any issues I had, was always the opinion I had came up with on my own. A counselors job is not to give you advice, it is to help you figure out and follow your own. Just remember to go in with an open mind! I hope you try it and good luck if you do!

Answer 3

I think it would be very beneficial for you to go to counseling... I mean what do you have to lose? You can only benefit and sometimes it really helps to have an outside opinion w/ no bias.
My parents also divorced ( I was a lot younger than you ) and I sought counseling several years after the divorce and I have found it very helpful and it has diminished my anger towards the situation. I feel that overall the counseling has made me a better person and my relationships with others a lot better.

Good Luck Sweetie :)

Answer 4

I think it would be good to go at least once. Ask the professional if he/she thinks you need counseling. They probably have some "diagnostic" questions they ask to determine your need. I got counseling for a while and it really helped me deal with some issues...and yes, he found "issues" I couldn't identify on my own. You sound well adjusted but like you said, it might be interesting and give you some insight into yourself and your situation.

Answer 5

Dear Anonymous,

It wouldn't be a bad idea, especially if you've ever wanted to vent to a neutral third-party. It would also help you to break down that toughened layer and give you an opportunity to learn if you have any lingering anger / relationship questions.

-j.

Answer 6

Then try Al-Anon and Alateen: http://www.al-anon.org/english.html

Talk to others your age about how they handled their parents drinking. You can go and just listen until you feel comfortable enough to share. It will make a huge difference in your life.