What Is Mental Health Counseling? A Comprehensive Guide to Healing and Growth
Mental health counseling is acknowledged as one of the leading helping professions in human history, yet many people are still confused about its true meaning and intention. It is believed that the act of offering counsel to others has always existed in our society. We are relational creatures who feel and express dozens of emotions and have an innate desire to live a happy life and stay out of pain forever. In this blog, we will address the essence of mental health counseling, its benefits, and how it can heal people’s mental health.
What is Mental Health Counseling?
In simple words, mental health counseling is a vital step in the therapeutic process. It forms a genuine ‘social’ connection between the client and the counselor. This relationship can only be built on cooperation and trust. Counselors use research-based tactics, active listening, empathy, confidentiality, and validation. By doing so, they build up a safe environment for clients to share their raw feelings, thoughts, and experiences.
In this positive space, individuals begin to understand their current state of mental health on a deeper level. With the help of counseling sessions, people can pursue the right path to recovery and learn some coping mechanisms for it. So, there is nothing wrong in saying that mental health counseling services are valuable approach for confronting mental health issues. In many cases, medication is not required.
Types of Mental Health Counseling
Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives. Counseling for mental health isn’t the same for everyone. Different people need different types of support based on their life circumstances.
Individual Counseling: This is a private session between the patient and the accredited therapist. It is held in a discrete space where the patient can candidly talk about anything that’s bothering them, like stress, anxiety, depression, or turning points in life.
Group Counseling: In this type, a group of a small number of people sits down with a counselor to exchange words on their personal experiences. It’s good to know that you’re not alone and to hear exactly how others came out of the same situations. Group therapy can foster connection, self-confidence, and support.
Family and Couples Counseling: It is all about bettering communication and understanding among family members or partners in crime. It is helpful in solving disputes, dealing with unpredictable life changes, or simply building strong relationships.
Teletherapy: If you can’t make it to the counselor’s office in person? No big deal. Some counselors also offer online mental health counseling that allows you to interact with them from the comfort of your home. It’s flexible, convenient, and as effective as the above-given types.
Common Issues Addressed in Counseling
Mental health counseling helps people overcome a lengthy list of emotional and psychological barriers. Some of the general problems of people that compel them to take counseling are:
Anxiety and Stress Management: Life is a wild ride of emotions, and it can get out of control sometimes. Counseling helps you keep it in balance, find your trigger, settle your mind, and curb daily stress and anxiety with activities like breathing exercises and diary writing.
Depression and Mood Disorders: If you always feel sad, tired, or lost for a long time, these can be actual signs of depression. A counselor helps you eliminate negative thoughts and diverts you on the path of healing.
Trauma and PTSD Recovery: Tragic incidents in the past can leave permanent scars. Counseling becomes the medium to talk about trauma, sense its impact, and slowly regain control over your life.
Addiction and Behavioral Concerns: A drug addict is vulnerable to compulsive behaviors. A counselor helps discern root causes, try to establish healthier routines, and lead the way to recovery.
How to Choose the Best Mental Health Counselor?
Hiring the best mental health counseling services can be a life-changing decision, but finding them is a Herculean task. Follow these factors to find one:
Review Their Qualifications and Credentials: A proficient counselor should have appropriate training and certification. Check credentials like a master's or doctoral degree in clinical mental health counseling, supervised experience of 4,000 hours, and pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
Hire a Counselor That Suits You: Calmness and positivity are the two best qualities of a counselor. Some use talk therapy, some use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and some use mindfulness-based counseling. Hire according to your preference. Also, consider logistics: do you like in-person or online sessions? Does their availability match your schedule? There are some more questions you can ask them:
What is your experience with my concerns?
What therapy methods do you use?
How long does treatment usually take?
Do you support insurance or take sliding-scale fees?
In a Nutshell
Indeed, a mental health counselor can be a ray of sunshine that can help you face mental health issues. Counseling can make strides in improving your mental health, help you recuperate from disorders, and leverage evidence-based techniques for unique mental health problems. If you think that you need licensed mental health counselors, reach out to Lifematters Counseling. We provide healing therapies and assessments both in person and online. Contact our experts today.
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