Why Do People Seek Counseling?

If you’re like most people, you probably feel like you don’t really need counseling. After all, if everything seems fine, why try and fix what is not broken? However, the pandemic changed how we think about mental health. Combine that with the fast-paced, technology-driven society we live in, and you’ll find that most people who think they don’t need therapy actually do need it.  

That said, there are many reasons to seek a counselor’s help. But according to Jeff Konfara, 95% of the reasons why people seek counseling are relationship related. Patients always can’t explicitly name the relationship, but the issues are there. And these ongoing battles, without support on how to overcome them, often leave people feeling lost and trapped. 

Jeff explains that hitting a crisis point in life can be scary. Deciding to reach out to a counselor can be a task surrounded by the mystery of what to expect. But if you feel like your mental health is not okay, investing time and money into seeking help is necessary.

Qualities to Look for When Choosing a Counselor

If you’ve reached a point where you feel like you need extra support to deal with a painful situation, face an obstacle, or just take care of your mental health, then counseling is the way to go. However, reaching out to a counselor can be scary; sometimes, finding the right counselor can be even more complicated. But as Jeff explains, if you’re looking for a counselor, you must know what you’re looking for. 

First, the counselor should be certified. It doesn’t make sense to work with someone who’s not adequately trained in therapy work. But more than that, you need to have a therapeutic alliance with the counselor you choose to work with. A therapeutic alliance essentially means that you and the counselor get along well. This will make it easier for you to share intimate things with them and potentially speed up your healing journey. Jeff further reveals that it should only take two to three sessions to know if you and your counselor are compatible. 

Links and Resources:
Jeff’s LinkedIn
Konfaracounseling.com