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.  While there is a difference between sadness/confusion and clinical depression, counseling can help in both situations, and many others.  

Click here for a description of "Emotional Wellness".

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.

Click here: National Institute of Mental Health Depression Booklet.

Professional counselors offer help in addressing many situations that cause emotional stress, including, but not limited to:

"Good indicators of when you should seek counseling are when you’re having difficulties at work, your ability to concentrate is diminished or when your level of pain becomes uncomfortable," says Dr. Gail Robinson, past president of the American Counseling Association. "However, you don’t want to wait until the pain becomes unbearable or you’re at the end of your rope."

"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."

Joyce Breasure, past president of the American Counseling Association and a professional counselor who has been in private practice for more than 20 years, recommends counseling when you:
 

"If you're not playing some, working some, and learning some, then you’re out of balance. There's a potential for some problems," Breasure says.

Robinson points out you don’t have to be "sick" to benefit from counseling. "Counseling is more than a treatment of mental illness," she says. "Some difficult issues we face in life are part of normal development. Sometimes its helpful to see what you’re going through is quite normal."  Counseling helps when your normal coping skills don't seem to be working.

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.  For more information on the credentialing process for counselors, please click the link on the left marked "LPC Requirements"

Will my health insurance cover counseling?

Many insurance and coverage plans cover mental health services by a licensed professional counselor including some Medicaid programs, CHAMPUS, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, and other government-sponsored health coverage programs. If you do not have health insurance, or if your coverage does not include mental health care or the services of a professional counselor, many professional counselors will work with clients on a sliding-fee scale or will offer a payment plan. Talk to your counselor about your options.

How long does counseling take?

Ideally, counseling is terminated when the problem that you pursued counseling for becomes more manageable or is resolved. However, some insurance companies and managed care plans may limit the number of sessions for which they pay. You should check with your health plan to find out more about any limitations in your coverage. During the first few counseling sessions your counselor should also discuss the length of treatment that may be needed to achieve your goals.

Is everything I say confidential?

All members of the American Counseling Association and the American Mental Health Counselors Association subscribe to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice which require counselors to protect the confidentiality of their communications with clients. Most state licensure laws also protect client confidentiality. As a client, you are guaranteed the protection of confidentiality within the boundaries of the client/counselor relationship. Any disclosure will be made with your full written, informed consent and will be limited to a specific period of time, usually one year, but you can request a shorter length of time. The only limitations to confidentiality occur when a counselor feels that there is clear and imminent danger to you or to others (especially a child or an elderly adult), or when legal requirements compel confidential information to be disclosed, such as a court case. Whenever possible, you will be informed before confidential information is revealed.

Together, you and your counselor will set goals, work toward achieving them, and assess how well you are actually meeting them. Counseling can help you maximize your potential and make positive changes in your life. Finally, remember that counseling may be hard work at times but change and progress do happen. A professional counselor can provide the help and support to help you master the challenges of life.

Most of the above is taken from the website of the
American Counseling Association.  Additional information about counseling can be found here, or through the "links" page on this site.