Does counseling really work?

Question

I often feel depressed. I feel like I'm not good enough for anyone, and I never stick up for myself with people at work. I have a beautiful fiance, but I'm afraid my condition will have a negative effect on our relationship. I don't want to allow my feelings of depression ruin what we have. Does counseling work, and how would I go about setting up something for myself? How much would it cost?

Answer 1

1. Counseling works if you want to change. A therapist can help you make gradual changes in your life to improve it or help you find the root of your self-esteem issue and help you deal with it. It also can give you a safe/non-judgmental environment to vent your feelings.
2. Ask you doctor to recommend someone. Contact the local mental health associate for a recommendation. Ask a good friend if you feel comfortable. If you are involved in your church check to see if they have pastoral counseling available. Or just let your fingers do the walking.
3. Many insurances will pay for a limited number of sessions. There is also low-cost counseling available from many colleges. (You are helping to train future therapists) or community health care agencies. If you decide to pay for it on your own it usually ranges from 100.00 to 500.00 a hour (45-50 minutes) depending on the going rate in your city.
GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

Seeing someone to help you deal with your negative feelings and thoughts will help but it takes a lot of effort on your part to get well. A mistake a lot of people make when they start seeing a counsellor for the first time, is that they assume this person will just be able to magically heal you. They just give you the tools you need to get better.............its up to you to take the tools and use them. It is definitely an effort on your part that can change your depression.
I have suffer from this too and know how difficult it can be to get the proper help. Another important thing is finding the concealer that is right for you. If you're not comfortable or confident in the person you are seeing you won't get the most out of your sessions.
Check with your town/city for a free counselling program like mental health centre which is a free government counselling program.
It is worth the effort to get help now especially before you get married. I hope you have an understanding partner as it is important to have a support network when you are going through any issues like this.
I wish you the best. Keep your chin up hun.

Answer 3

I am a Mental Health Counselor so I would like to think that counseling works. Call your local county health clinic or office and ask for a referral. Often there is a sliding scale. I worked at a clinic that the counseling was almost free.

Answer 4

How many therapists does it take to change a lightbulb?

Only one, but the lightbulb has to want to change.

Counseling/therapy are as good as you want them to be. Finding someone good that you are comfortable working with is also important, so is knowing when to stop going or change clinicians if you feel uncomfortable.

Depending on your finances, many therapists work on a sliding scale, also, you can (and should) interview them before your first session. Explain what you are wanting and ask how they plan on empowering you. This will give you a better idea of who may be the most useful.

I am automatically distrustful of any that refuse a least a brief, free interview and I think that this will help put you at ease.

Answer 5

quit watching TV (cable) for a while and meditate, take up a hobby, spend time with loved ones or read constructive books instead. Most TV programs and all adverts are to blame for alot of the low self esteem and depression that people are experiencing.
They sell this idea of life that is non existent and keep reminding everyone that they are nothing unless they are in Hollywood and own certain things which is all not true ofcourse.
Just try it and see if it helps.

Answer 6

I have been to everything from a pshchiatrist to a clinical social worker and yes one did work for me...I would never go back to a full on shrnk...they want to dig up things that have nothing to do with your current reality, if anything it made me feel worse, the certified social worker was by far the best and yes it worked, she helped me do what I needed to do to feel better..there is hope and there is help. She was much cheaper than the shrinks were too...about 80. an hour where I lived then...
Interview them like you would if you were hiring an employee..see how you click and if you do great and if you don't move on, it is your money!!! good luck to you.

Answer 7

Counselling works for healthy brains. Depression is not a healthy brain, its a physical illness. Once you get a treatment for the illness counselling will help.

Answer 8

I'm wondering why your 1st answerer is allowed to play during her work time as a counselor. This would really raise some issues with me concerning her professionialism. Counselors only work if you believe they do. It's hard to find one you can truly connect to. If you don't find the right one, communication is difficult. I have a really good counselor who is compassionate and kind. It does make a difference.

Answer 9

Your medical doctor can refer you to someone that can help. Most places have a mental health center and they charge by income. You can feel allot better with the proper help. Good-luck.

Answer 10

counseling is really good. im not sure how much it cost, i heard if you dont have insurence its about $75 a session, but you should look into it.