Step One: Acknowledging the Need for Help….Now What?

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Most of us have heard that the first step is admitting you have a problem. This saying is common, though what comes next isn’t as commonly discussed. Sometimes we realize that something isn’t right, we aren’t living our lives the way we would like or we don’t feel as good as we normally do. Other times those close to us urge us to acknowledge that we may have a problem. Regardless of what leads you to decide to make a change it is important to receive support along the way. Therapy can help. 

Taking the First Steps

The first step to improving your emotional health is to recognize the need for professional help. If your condition doesn’t improve despite your consistent effort to feel good, it’s likely time to seek the help of a counselor with experience and training on different types of therapy. It takes courage to admit that things need to change. You don’t have to wait for your symptoms to become unbearable, early intervention can make a big difference. 

Therapy can be effective: 

• If you want to improve your ability to interact and relate to your partner, children, siblings, or colleagues, counseling can help you improve these relationships.
• If you’re struggling with intrusive thoughts, have experienced a loss, overwhelming grief and/or you feel you aren’t functioning normally. Working with a counselor can help you reframe negative thinking that is keeping you stuck. Counseling can be useful in gaining greater ability to survive the tough period in your life.
• If you have experienced abuse or a traumatic event you could be experiencing feelings of helplessness, anger, or guilt. Counseling can provide an environment where you can feel safe and learn to have better control over your thoughts and emotions.
• If your child demonstrates a repeated pattern of misbehavior, counseling can help. Ignoring concerning behavior rarely helps, early intervention can make a huge difference. 

If any of the above sounds familiar it’s likely you have acknowledged that help is needed. 

The Search for the Right Therapist

When you decide to seek counseling, you may feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. One of the most important indicators of a successful therapeutic relationship is whether you feel you can trust your therapist. Feeling comfortable with them is key due to the sensitive nature of what is addressed in therapy.  

Essentially, the factors to look for when searching for a therapist include experience, training and knowledge in different treatment approaches. A therapist who can provide you with the feeling of safety and support can be an excellent partner on your road to recovery.

Carolina Counseling Services – Pittsboro, NC contracts with a variety of therapists who can help. Our skilled Scheduling Team can help you to find the counselor that is right for you. Call today to schedule your first appointment.