There are many misconceptions about what it means to talk to a counselor and the stigma associated with it is often the reason people don’t seek help in the first place. However, therapy can help people manage issues, develop coping skills and learn how to improve themselves.  

Therapy is not just for mental health issues, it can help with support, education, guidance, and provide you with the resources to learn and practice new ways of coping. 

Common reasons people seek therapy 

• To work on marriage issues 
• To cope with a big life transition 
• To develop better parenting skills 
• To manage mood swings 
• To improve career prospects 
• To process grief and trauma 
• To become more assertive 
• To mitigate harmful thoughts 
• To gain a deeper understanding of themselves 

Counselors will follow three steps 

• Step 1: Clarify the problem – The counselor will help you clarify the underlying problems that caused you to seek assistance. This step ensures that the real problem is being addressed. 
• Step 2: Identify options – Together, you and counselor will explore possible options and resources to help you resolve the problem you are facing. The counselor provides an objective point of view and can offer suggestions that you may not have considered. 
• Step 3: Develop a plan of action – The plan may involve short-term counseling through your program or a referral to an appropriate resource in the community. Family members may be included in counseling as part of the action plan. In all cases, the decision of how to handle the problem is always