I don't want to sound all sad and hopeless or anything...but I've been through a whole lot of crap in the past two years and sometimes I just get really depressed about things. For the past year I've been thinking that maybe going to counseling can help me, but what exactly can a counselor do to help people besides just listen to what they have to say? How will a counselor be able to help me? I would already be going to counseling, except I have no way to pay for it....
2006-10-13 10:36:01 · 10 answers · asked by Jennifer 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I'm also in the same situation. A counselor never helped me much. But They were there for me to listen to me. I knew they were always there for me. and they were the ones that sympathized with me. There are many good counselors that you can pay with insurance.
2006-10-13 10:42:27 · answer #1 · answered by SM 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hello Jennifer,
You don't have to go to counseling to become better. In counseling, you and the doctor talk a lot. Generally, the doctor will ask you about your background, lifestyles, and many things to know more about you. Why? because the doctor wants to know what you are thinking and find out where the problem is. Also, by sharing your feelings and emotions with the doctor helps you release the anxiety inside you. This helps a lot.
Sometimes you will find that in fact many people have negative thoughts, which are easily caused by some kind of anti socialism. Everybody needs someone to talk to. Find a good friend who will listen to you, and talk to this person. You will find that you have more control over your mind because you have already known how to release all the mixed feelings inside you.
2006-10-13 22:03:26 · answer #2 · answered by Audrey L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Going to counseling can be helpful if you are honest with what is going on in your life. Sometimes you get really good advice from them and sometimes it is just great to be able to get some things off your chest and not have to worry about people talking about it later. I don' t know about your town but where I live we have a "Family Service Center" and they have free counseling, maybe you could find something like that or find a place that has a sliding pay scale. Good Luck and just try it you may get alot out of it!
2006-10-13 17:49:59 · answer #3 · answered by DC 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You'd be surprised to find many counselors work on a sliding scale and that helps it to become affordable. Counseling has many benefits, helps with distortions in thinking and goal setting, counseling can assist you in taking the steps necessary to heal and provide tools for you to use in future difficult situations. It seems your willing to try and that is a major factor in the effectiveness of counseling. Good Luck.
2006-10-14 02:39:30 · answer #4 · answered by NuMi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of times depression has to do with the way your nervous system is wired and the lack of the right balance of certain chemicals in the brain such as seritonen and endorphines. A visit to your family physician is a good start in getting evaluated and she may even be able to prescribe you some medication to help. If necessary, she will recommend a specialist or that you pursue counseling or psychtherapy from a qualified psychologist.
2006-10-13 18:10:26 · answer #5 · answered by soulguy85 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if money is an issue, go to your doctor and ask to be referred for funded counselling. otherwise, Relate are a great company and can provide therapy on a sliding scale to accommodate your budget. the difference between a counsellor and a psychotherapist is that a counsellor is there to listen and support (very valuable) and a therapist will work with you, help you to work through your issues for as long as it takes. it's much more practical and hands on and goes a lot deeper.
many people see therapy as a lifelong tool - i personally think EVERYONE should have therapy, because learning about yourself and learning to stop repeating unhelpful patterns can only be a good thing. you will never regret it, i promise. very best of luck to you. and by the way - we ALL have this crap - it's only the brave who go ahead and deal with it - so well done. xxx
2006-10-13 17:50:05 · answer #6 · answered by soph 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A counselor will listen, but they will also help you to learn to deal with and resolve your issues. Also, they are in a position of non-bias, so they can view your situation in an entirely different way than people who know you well or are involved. They will help you gain a better perspective about what's going on in your life.
2006-10-13 17:46:14 · answer #7 · answered by missyhardt 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have the same doubt, for some time I have been considering going to the psychologist, and I haven't decided yet. I think it could be helpful, since they are professionals in helping people with their issues. If you can afford it, I would give it a try. You have nothing to lose after all.
2006-10-13 17:42:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes they can offer perspective on your problem. They may be able to help you frame the problem and see more clearly what's troubling you.
Counselors are someone who is on your side, who won't think bad about you, who can tell you maybe it's not as bad as it seems, you're actually handling things quite well.
2006-10-13 17:45:59 · answer #9 · answered by KC 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1) improve insight
2) change depressive styles of thinking
3) help identify interpersonal patterns that lead to stress
4) identify if any physical symptoms are contributing to depression, and make referrel to physician if such is the case
5) provide an outlet for emotions
6) help develop positive lifestyle changes
7) other stuff.
2006-10-13 17:42:23 · answer #10 · answered by Roger Peters 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋