Windows of Opportunity Counseling Services

When Should One Seek Professional Counseling?

Most of us experience times when we need help dealing with problems and issues that cause us undue emotional distress. At those times, we want and need support from friends and family. Yet sometimes we need more.

When you are having a problem or dilemma that is making you feel overwhelmed and is affecting your daily routine, you probably could benefit from the assistance of a trained professional. A trained therapist or counselor can offer caring, objective and expert help during stressful times when family and friends may not be enough. They can provide a safe environment were you can explore and understand your thoughts, feeling and behaviors.
 
There are many types of professional therapists or counselors who can offer you help: psychiatrists, medical doctors who focus on prescribing medication; psychologists, who not only provide therapy but can offer in depth psychological testing if needed; licensed clinical social workers; marriage and family therapists who specialize in treating relationship problems; nurse practitioners who have had special training in counseling methods; and, pastoral counselors who integrate theology and spirituality with psychology.

The most important thing to remember is to select someone who has training and qualifications that enable him or her to help you with your specific problem. As well, choose someone with whom you feel at ease. It is important to be able to speak freely and openly with the therapist you have chosen.

Some questions to consider when choosing a counselor might be:

What is your education and training?
Are you licensed?
Do you have experience treating my specific problem?
How much do you charge and do you accept insurance payment?

Some Tips:

1. Identify the source of your distress and start keeping a journal. Writing is a good way to process your feelings and get perspective on an issues.

2. Increase the number of supports in your life. The greater the stress, the more support one needs. Being around other people is good medicine for the soul.

3. Make sure you are eating, sleeping, and exercising properly as your physical health can affect your well being. If necessary, get a full physical.

4. Do not be too hard on yourself. Life is a journey with many ups and downs. If you are experiencing difficulty right now, remember there is something new around the corner.

Tips to help you maximize your counseling experience:

Therapy works best when you attend all of your scheduled appointments. The effectiveness of therapy depends on your active participation. It requires time, effort and regularity.

As you begin therapy, establish some goals with your therapist. Then spend time periodically reviewing your progress with your therapist. If you don't like your therapist's approach or if you don't think the therapist is helping you, talk to him or her about it and seek a second opinion if both you and your therapist agree, but don't discontinue therapy abruptly.

Identify the source of your stress and start keeping a journal. Journaling is a great way for you to process your feelings and get perspective on an issue. Introspection can help you solve your problems. But remember too much introspection without outside input may cause you to get stuck in a rut.

Therefore, to avoid getting stuck in a rut try to increase the number of supports in your life. It is important to remember that the greater the number of stressors in your life the more important it becomes to have an adequate support systems in place. We are social creatures who need to be with people.

As well, make sure you are eating, sleeping and exercising properly. We now know that your physical health can affect your emotional well being and vise versa. You may also like to get a physical to make sure you are in good health.

Remember, therapy involves evaluating your thoughts, feelings, behaviors and relationships trying to find out what is contributing to your distress. It then is your responsibility to take what you learn, apply it to your life and make changes. As well, to avoid frustration keep in mind that therapy is a process and not a quick fix.

Finally, do not compare yourself or your experience in therapy with another person’s experience or rate of growth or healing. You are a unique individual, couple or family with a unique set of circumstances and history. Your life journey is all your own and special. Please remember that.

What types of problems can be addressed in therapy?

People seek professional assistance for a variety of reasons. The following is a list of some of the most common issues:

1. You feel unhappy, sad, lonely, isolated or helpless most of the time.
2. You worry all the time and are unable to find solutions to your problems.
3. You feel nervous and anxious much of the time.
4. You have panic attacks.
5. You have a hard time concentrating.
6. Your emotional state is affecting your daily life and you are having a hard time functioning. Your   sleep, eating habits, job and relationships are all being affected negatively by your emotional state.
7. Your behavior is harmful to yourself or others.
8. You or someone you love has a problem with drugs or alcohol.
9. You are having problems with your family members.
10. You are a victim of sexual abuse, domestic violence, rape or any kind of assault.
11. You have an eating disorder.
12. You are having trouble dealing with the death of a loved one.
13. Someone you love has a serious illness and you are having a hard time coping.
14. You are experiencing problems of a sexual nature.
15. Your family is experiencing much tension and discord.
16. You are going through a divorce or are getting  separated.
17. You are having a hard time coping with change.
18. You feel afraid, angry or guilty most of the time.
19. You are having a problem with your children.
20. You are having difficulty communicating with others.
21. You want pre-marital counseling.
22. You are part of a blended family and are having a or another family member is having a hard time adjusting.
23. You have confusion about your sexual orientation.
24. You have been or are being physically, emotionally or psychologically mistreated.
25. You just want to grow and become the best person you can be.    


Individual Therapy, Family Therapy and Counseling, Couples and Marriage Counseling, Psychotherapy in Fremont, Newark, Hayward, Union City,  San Jose by Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Psychotherapists.