NorthPoint Professional Counseling
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should You Seek Counseling?
From childhood through late adulthood, there are certain times when we may need help addressing problems and issues that cause us emotional distress or make us feel overwhelmed. When you are experiencing these types of difficulties, you may benefit from the assistance of an experienced, trained professional. Professional counselors offer the caring, expert assistance that we often need during these stressful times. A counselor can help you identify your problems and assist you in finding the best ways to cope with the situation by changing behaviors that contribute to the problem or by finding constructive ways to deal with a situation that is beyond your personal control. Professional counselors offer help in addressing many situations that cause emotional stress, including, but not limited to:
- anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional problems and disorders
- family and relationship issues
- substance abuse and other addictions
- sexual abuse and domestic violence
- eating disorders
- career change and job stress
- social and emotional difficulties related to disability and illness
- adopting to life transitions
- the death of a loved one
"If someone is questioning if they should go into counseling that is probably the best indicator that they should," says Dr. William King, a mental health counselor in private practice in Indianapolis, Indiana.”You should trust your instincts."
How Long Does Counseling Last?
- First of all counseling is voluntary. You can terminate counseling at any time.
- The pace and duration of counseling is largely determined by you.
- The more diligent you are putting into practice insights you gain will impact how long it takes to accomplish your counseling goals
What is Professional Counseling?
“Professional counselors work with individuals, families, groups and organizations. Counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and client. Professional counselors help clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil; seek to improve communication and coping skills; strengthen self-esteem; and promote behavior change and optimal mental health. Through counseling you examine the behaviors, thoughts and feelings that are causing difficulties in your life. You learn effective ways to deal with your problems by building upon personal strengths. A professional counselor will encourage your personal growth and development in ways that foster your interest and welfare.” (Dr. Bill King)
How to Get the Most Out of Your Counseling Experience at NorthPoint Professional Counseling
Define your goals. Thinking about what you would like to get out of your counseling experience is one of the first goals. It might be helpful to write a list of events, relationship issues, or feelings that you think are contributing to your current or ongoing distress. It is important to take time before each session to consider your expectations for that session. Self-exploration and change involve hard work, and sometimes painful feelings are stirred up in the process of healing. You can feel confident that our counselors are trained to pay close attention to these issues and will probably encourage you to discuss these feelings openly with them.
Be an active participant. This is your counseling experience, so be as active as you can in deciding how to use the time wisely. Be honest with your counselor and give her or him feedback about how you see the sessions progressing.
Be patient with yourself. As with any growth, it takes time, effort, and patience. All of your coping skills, behavior patterns, and self-perceptions have been learned and reinforced over a long period of time, so change can be difficult and slow at times.
Ask questions. Ask questions about the counseling process, any methods used by the counselor, or about any other services offered at NorthPoint Professional Counseling. Your counselor is there to assist you.
Follow your counselor's recommendations. Take the time between sessions to complete any activities suggested by your counselor. It is not unusual to be asked to either read, journal and/or implement any new behavior learned. Counseling is intended to improve your life in the "real world," so making efforts to try out and practice new behaviors, approaches, or ways of thinking could be a crucial element to the success of your counseling experience.