As a counselor, I believe almost anyone can benefit from counseling. There is a stigma that people who go to therapy are “crazy.” The reality is, I don’t have any clients who are “crazy.” I see clients who are struggling in their lives. Sometimes it is over a particular issue (e.g. divorce, anxiety, work stress, family stress, grief), and sometimes it is an overall dissatisfaction with their lives. They know they don’t feel “right,” and they are looking for guidance on how to feel and function better in their lives.

Sometimes there may be a mental health diagnosis that needs to be made, but often times, clients just need a little assistance to help them feel whole again.

I do this by listening to clients tell me about their lives. (Some people don’t have anyone in their lives who will just listen to them for an extended period of time.) I then share with them what I hear them saying and bring up the themes and patterns I notice in their stories. Together we come up with ways to make the changes the client wants in their lives. With adults, this process is often done through talk therapy alone. With kids, I use play therapy to enter their worlds and create change. However, some adults benefit from (and enjoy) play therapy. The sessions are based on each individual client and how they want to experience counseling.

Sometimes this can take one session if the problem is acute. Other times, it can take many sessions if the problem is more complex.

If you have considered counseling for yourself, or your child, I would encourage you to try it. I tell clients it is important to find the right fit for you and your family. Not every counselor is a good fit for every person. I recommend meeting with someone three times before deciding if the counselor you have found is a good fit. If they are not, don’t be discouraged. There are many different counselors with many different styles. What is important is you find the right fit to help you make the changes you want in your life.