No Wrong Reason to Start Counselling
Do I or don’t I? Often times, people do not seek out the help of a counsellor due to limiting beliefs that become a barrier to starting counselling. Join registered social worker Carol Ballen as she reviews the common beliefs and reminds us all that there are no wrong reasons to start counselling.
My problems aren’t serious enough - Our problems do not have to be catastrophic nor do we need to be in crisis to receive support. When it comes to finding help, no problem is too big or too small.
I’ve tried counselling before and it didn’t work - Finding a counsellor with whom you feel comfortable with is key. If you’ve not connected with your counsellor in the past or you did not find counselling helpful, don’t let it deter you. Finding the right fit for you can take time and patience, just as it does with any difficult issue.
I’ll wait until I have more time - Check in with yourself. Are you procrastinating dealing with the issue? Only you know the answer to that. Is it possible that there had never been a better time to prioritize your mental health?
I can’t afford it - Many health insurance companies cover some or all of the costs of counselling - it’s worth it to check in with your insurance provider to see what coverage you have.
I’ll wait to see if things get better on their own - Time can lead to a resolution of your issues, but it can prolong or exacerbate them. It’s worth considering how much time you want to designate to handling the situation on your own and if you need a professional to help you through.
I’ll just talk to my friends and family about it - Friends and family can be wonderful supports, but they have their own biases. They love you want you to feel better, so they may tell you what you want to hear. Trained counsellors are subjective and specialize in various therapeutic modalities to guide and support you.
Counselling may be the thing that helps you move forward in your life - to feel better and achieve the outcome you desire. If you’ve been thinking about it, follow your intuition. Maybe it’s time.
Carol Ballen (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker offering counselling services to individuals 13+ at our Corydon Avenue location. Her practice has been built over 15 years of experience in counselling and social work. Drawing on her diverse background and expertise, she works collaboratively with clients to identify their unique strengths and resources, both internal and external, and to develop customized plans for achieving their goals. Her therapeutic approach derives from evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused, and Trauma Informed Therapy.