Have you ever heard someone say, “Counselling is for people who are crazy or weak. You should just be able to get over it and get on with your life.” or “What’s wrong with you? Why can’t you just forget about what happened?”
In reality, it takes a lot of courage to admit that you are struggling and that you are ready to look at what’s going on. This is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. It shows an openness to change and to move towards health and wholeness. On the other hand, living in denial of your struggles or trying to avoid dealing with the pain takes a lot of emotional energy, and it is exhausting. It can also take a physical toll on you, as there is lots of evidence that emotional stress has negative physical impacts, ranging from poor sleep, reduced immune function, to higher incidence of many illnesses.
You probably also know that your reactions and behaviours can deeply affect those who are close to you: family members, friends, and colleagues. If you are unhappy in your relationships, or if you are often disappointed in others, it is a good sign that something needs to be addressed. Going to counselling and addressing your pain and struggles allows you to create more positive, healthy relationships with those around you.
Sometimes an event or circumstance in your life brings so much stress that you realize your old ways of coping aren’t working anymore. This is a wonderful opportunity to seek out counselling so you can figure out new ways of overcoming obstacles and challenges. The goal is that you come away feeling stronger and more empowered, as well as more peaceful in yourself.
Good counselling is a positive process that fosters good self-esteem, improved self-awareness, and a better ability to communicate with others. It is important that you feel you have a good fit with a counsellor that you are working with. If you have doubts about the counselling relationship, don’t ignore them. Try to check them out with the counsellor, or try to find someone who is a better fit for you. Even if you are dealing with very painful material, you should feel positive about the counselling process and safe to voice any concerns.
If you are thinking about getting counselling, I encourage you to trust your inner voice that is seeking healing and freedom. This is your voice of wisdom from within. You are worth it, and you deserve to feel good about yourself.
Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you.
~ Eileen Caddy
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