What is Counseling, Anyway?
Have you ever wondered, “What is counseling, anyway?” Well, you are not alone. Many people wonder what counseling is, even though counseling is for everyone. Especially if they’ve never tried counseling in Alexandria, LA. In this post, I’m here to tell you what counseling is and is not.
Counseling isn’t something new. In the “olden days”, there was often someone in a community or village who was the designated go-to person. This person would have insight into problems and be able to provide guidance. They were trusted by the community. So, community members felt comfortable going to this person for counseling on how to solve issues.
How is Counseling Different Today?
Today, counseling is a similar process. People can reach out to a therapist for guidance. They can provide support to solve the personal, social, or psychological problems they face. Counselors are skilled helpers, master secret keepers, and intentional listeners. They aim to create a safe space to help you figure out the way forward when the path doesn’t always seem so clear.
The American Counseling Association offers a definition of professional counseling. It reads “a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals.” Since that is a pretty broad definition, I wanted to share a few things about what counseling is and is not.
What Counseling in Alexandria, LA IS…
Counseling is a collaborative process between you and your counselor. Together, you work to find effective solutions that will work for your life. Counseling helps you to learn to move forward despite past experiences or present situations. Counseling can also equip you with coping strategies to assist with mental health challenges. This may include challenges such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Substance use challenges
- Relationship problems
- Parenting dilemmas
- Anger
- And life transitions, to name a few
A safe relationship is built on trust and mutual respect. It’s a no-judgment zone where you can be vulnerable and transparent. Counseling empowers you to make the changes you want for your life. It helps improve mental and emotional well-being.
What Counseling in Alexandria, LA Is Not
Counseling is not one size fits all approach. Finding a counselor you can connect with and trust is an essential part of the process. It is also not a relationship where someone makes changes for you. Change can be hard. Counselors cannot make change happen. But, they do inspire, empower, and support you through change. Due to this, you can’t expect a quick fix. Counselor’s don’t have magic wands (we wish we did though). We can’t take the pain or stress or problems away, but we can sit with you in it.
Counseling in Alexandria, LA Can Support You
I believe in counseling because I have seen the tremendous impact it can make. I’ve seen the effects it has made on the lives of the people I’ve had the honor of working with. So, you may be at a place where you feel overwhelmed or experiencing feelings of dissatisfaction in your life or relationships. If so, then counseling would be beneficial for you. Taking the first step can be scary, but it’s a step you won’t regret taking!
Begin Counseling in Alexandria, LA
You deserve support in addressing the issues that affect you most. Our caring therapists would be honored to support you in overcoming your mental health concerns and helping you to live life to the fullest. We offer in-person support at our Alexandria, LA-based practice and throughout the state with online therapy. If you are ready to start your counseling journey, please follow these steps:
- Contact us to schedule your first appointment, or call us at 318-266-7021
- Meet with a caring therapist
- Start receiving support to live your best life
Services Offered with Be Inspired Counseling
Our team understands that life can throw a lot your way at times. This is why we are happy to offer a variety of services from our Alexandria, LA, and Natchitoches, LA-based counseling practice. We also understand that making in-person appointments can be hard, which is why we offer online therapy in Louisiana. Mental health services include anxiety treatment, grief counseling, trauma therapy, and depression counseling. We also offer counseling for couples, teens, women, children, and groups! Learn more about our consulting services, FAQ, or blog for more info!
Christy Pennison, LPC-S, is a board-certified professional counselor and owner of Be Inspired Counseling & Consulting. She provides counseling in Alexandria, LA and therapy in Natchitoches, LA, specializes in working with children and adolescents through various mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. She is passionate about inspiring hope through to help individuals move forward and live fully.
