You have learned what you have learned very well. It has helped you survive.
Virginia Satir, Ph.D.
There are many reasons individuals enter counseling. At times people are overwhelmed and stressed due to various life circumstances. Other times they have had recent or past life traumas.
Many times individuals begin therapy following a crisis, something that has turned their world upside down, like the diagnosis of a medical disease, adultery, or witnessing a violent incident.
Here are some of the symptoms that could indicate a need to seek help:
- depression or intense sadness
- frequent irritability
- persistent feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or helplessness
- low self esteem
- poor concentration
- changes in sleeping or appetite
- decreased motivation or interest in life
- thoughts of suicide or occurrence of self injury
- angry outbursts
- hallucinations
- behavior changes noticed by yourself or others
- panic attacks
- significant difficulty leaving the house or completing everyday tasks
- intense fears or phobias
- excessive worrying
- nightmares or flashbacks of traumatic events
Feeling Reluctant to Enter Treatment?It is common for people to worry what their therapist will think of them when they first come to meet the therapist and describe their concerns. It is normal to wonder whether you might seem weird or “crazy” when you tell someone what you are experiencing.
Please know that everything you share is confidential. These are some of the feelings that new patients share - loneliness, fear, rejection, despair, confusion, guilt, anger, frustration, shame, or shyness.
Therapy is about a process of forming a relationship with your therapist and working together toward your specific goals.
Photo: Melissa L. Abney
