5 Reasons Why You May Need to See a Counsellor in Your Lifetime

Sometimes we need professional help or simply need to hear another perspective. Life is full of burdens and you don’t have to fight all of them on your own. At times, you might feel like you’re too overwhelmed to make the right decision and need a second opinion or that you need someone to listen to you and give you their take. That’s what counseling is for. 

The difference between counseling and psychotherapy is that counseling deals with short-term problems, where you talk about a recent issue you’re going through. Psychotherapy is more about long-term issues and digging through the roots of your psychological problems. But both can be used interchangeably and your therapist will turn your counseling sessions into trauma therapy if needed. 

We look at possible scenarios where you may need to see a counselor.

1. Work-Related Stress

At some point, stress becomes a part of our daily life. Some stress is beneficial because it motivates us to do our best. But sometimes stress becomes so much to handle that it hinders our productivity and progress. It could lead to developing conditions like anxiety or burnouts. Burnouts happen when you’re too physically and mentally tired to meet demands.

It also involves the loss of motivation needed to get through the day. You might end up resenting your job, home, and social life. 

If you feel like stress is taking over your life, consider going to a therapist for counseling, it will help you see things differently and you will start regaining control of your life. 

2. Relationship Problems

Let’s face it, no relationship is problem-free. Some relationship issues require some effort by the partners and some just need help from a third party.

Psychotherapists at Energetics Institute, relationship counseling will educate both partners on what’s healthy in a relationship and what’s not. They will answer your questions on counseling and psychotherapy. Relationship problems could be between couples, family members, or even friends. 

3. Suffering Loss and Trauma

There comes a time in our lives when we suffer the loss of someone or something we love. It could be the death of a family member, losing a job, or breaking up with someone we care about. Not all of us can cope with that type of loss and sometimes we need to talk to someone. A professional will help us make sense of the loss and move on with our lives.

Loss can lead to a number of emotions like anger, denial, grief, helplessness, or hopelessness,  that might be too much to process on our own. That’s where talking with a professional play a part in helping us understand how to deal with how we feel. 

Trauma is another element that requires external help in most cases. Trauma could be a result of anything from loss, being the victim of emotional and physical abuse, or going through a very stressful or dangerous situation. If you’re a victim of trauma, it’s vital to talk to a professional and seek help. 

4. Gender and Sexual Identity

It’s important to know you’re loved and accepted with no conditions. There’s nothing wrong with not belonging or relating to heteronormativity. Gender and sexual identity aren’t always a clear matter, sometimes at a time in our lives, we suffer from how we identify our gender or sexual orientation, or both.

At other times, we know where we stand but we fear the reactions of our loved ones, family, or friends. This could cause anxiety, depression, or/and a decrease in self-esteem. If you’re facing challenges with your gender or sexual identity, you should always have someone to talk to, to help you become assertive about who you are, and for you to know you’re not alone.

5. Mental Conditions Like Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are spreading fast worldwide and they affect every aspect of life. They make productivity and motivation difficult and, in severe cases, might make the person lose hope in life.

Some psychiatrists will prescribe medications but they won’t solve the root of the problem. That’s where counseling and psychotherapy come in. Addressing the issue at its core will help the person discover how to get over many obstacles and improve the quality of their lives. 

Going through a hard time is a part of life but suppressing your feelings will never help you move forward. You can’t always share your burdens with family or friends and you will often need someone who has experience and expertise to help you.

If you need someone to listen to you or if you just need another perspective, counseling is your go-to. It is a safe place and a part of your self-care.