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

Absolutely give it a try! You'd be suprised, even the most stable and even keeled people can get a new perspective from a good therapist (some therapists may not be right for you). It won't hurt, and it gives you a safe place to discuss what's going on in your life with someone who is unbiased. You probably ARE fine and have learned to deal with the crap very well........but believe me, there is MUCH to learn about yourself......and it's a good opportunity to learn it NOW instead of in 10 years when you're wondering why you suck at relationships with men, or why you can't hold a job, etc. (just examples) If you can avoid problems by clearing your head out NOW, then that's doing you a favor. The idea is to go in there and DO share everything......if you hold back then they arent' getting a true picture of you and may give you the wrong perspective. You've been through alot obviously, and there is sure to be stuff for you to sort out that you dont' even realize. Good luck.......and look at it this way........it is a VERY mature thing to be willing to do this.

Answer 2

My opinion on that is NO. I think counseling just makes matters worse. If you feel that you fine and have gotten over it and stronger out of what ever happened Great. Go on with you life don't let the past haunt you. Counseling for myself and son brought up the past and would not let it go. Matters go worse. Remember you live for today and the future not the PAST! I have been through a lot - no joke. You can e-mail me when you feel like it at [e-mail].

Answer 3

Well I understand what you might be going through, my father is in a halfway house and he was in and out of rehab throughout my life. I am 22 years old now and have children of my own and I don't drink or do drugs and I think that I'm normal. I went to one AA meeting one time and it made me understand that my dad wasn't alone in the fight with alcohol, but I didn't like hearing how weak all these people were to alcohol and drugs and their relapses. I have been by my dad's side through the withdrawals, which were really bad, convulsions and everything, but I don't think AA helped me out emotionally to deal with my dad's problem, or my mom's for that. Basically, all I did was realize that I didn't want to be like them and worked hard to keep my life on the right road. If you ever want someone to talk to feel free to e-mail me at [e-mail]. It helps to have someone to talk to when you're feeling frustrated.

Answer 4

Yes, give the counselling a go. It's not always about how you are NOW. Some things could emerge when you have your own kids for example? If there's no effect from counseling, doesn't matter. But i suspect it would be more useful than you'd realise. Getting tough is ok, but counseling doesn't mean weakness. Give it a go. Hope things work out for you.

Answer 5

Counsoling can't hurt. It will give you someone safe to talk to. You say you are fine but after talking to a professional for awhile you might see that the past has affected you more than you know.

Answer 6

Yes. You say you've gotten tougher ... but that's your opinion. How's your relationship with those around you? And with yourself?