What is Counseling?

Humans are emotional creatures. Our emotional well-being is just as important as our physical well-being, but is often neglected. The perception is our emotional health may not be as important or as urgent to address. This is simply not true. Mental well-being can impact every facet of our lives.

People may seek out counseling due to a wide variety of feelings: fear, anxiety, stress, depression, anger, sadness, confusion, apathy, heartbreak, grief, or any other aspect of the incredibly complex human experience.

Counseling (also called therapy or psychotherapy) may seem to be just two people talking, but it is much more. Therapists are educated and trained in evidence-based psychological theories, supportive interviewing techniques, and empathetic understanding. Your counselor is able to create a safe and objective environment for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors that friends and family, though well meaning, simply cannot provide.

The goals of counseling are yours to set. The counselor will endeavor to be helpful, kind, and offer unconditional support for you while validating your experience and feelings. Our job is not to dictate anything to you; our job is to help you navigate the challenges life brings while charting a new course.

Importantly, everything you say within counseling sessions are private, confidential, and protected much like conversations with lawyers or doctors. While there are some very specific limitations on this privacy (principally dealing with threats of harming yourself or others), what you say to a counselor is privileged and held confidential. Friends, family members, spouses, and employers have no rights to this information. Only the information you authorize will be shared.

Our goal is to provide you with the care, support, and guidance you need to address the issues causing you distress. It really is that simple.

The hardest part, without question, is taking that first step, making that first contact and scheduling that first appointment. It takes courage and strength and humility, but you are absolutely worth it!