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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Counseling? A simple answer is that it is a relationship between therapist and patient in which together they begin to understand and solve problems from a new perspective. It is a space and time in which the patient has the objective support and guidance of a trained and qualified professional.
How can counseling help me? Attending counseling is investing in your health. It provides you with a regular time to discuss the decisions you have to make, find ways to improve your relationships, develop new personal and work strategies or take care of your needs and develop sensitivity for those of others. In counseling you can explore your feelings, experiences and opinions about the issues at hand and find constructive alternatives to everyday situations.
Can’t I just talk to a friend about it? Having a group of friends and family that support you is essential to good health, and often people close to you can help you to make decisions and overcome problems. But often patients tell me that they seek out a professional counselor because they are looking for an objective opinion, a different approach and practical tools to deal with their problems, which they may not find speaking with family and friends.
How do I know if I need counseling? There are people who think we all need counselling at some stage in life! But a rule of thumb is that counseling is advisable when you have the feeling of being stuck – coming up against the same problems or feelings, relationship problems that repeat themselves, moods that do not lift, problems at work that you have tried to solve but are not improving. Other reasons people seek out counselling are depression and anxiety, marital discord, infertility and adoption, abuse, addictions, work-related or family problems, among others.
Can my spouse come with me? Yes. If you are in need of counseling and you are in a stable relationship, it is advisable that your spouse/partner join you for counseling. |
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