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WHEN TO SEEK HELP

Who benefits from counselling?
People's reasons for seeking counselling vary. Some individuals seek counselling out of immediate need, to attend to areas that have lost balance and health in their daily life. Others seek counselling as prevention, to invest in future mental health

When we find it difficult to function in our daily lives, something has to give. It may be depression, stress, anxiety, marital problems, parenting concerns, eating disorders or a variety of other reasons that are causing the distress. At these times we seek the help of a counsellor out of immediate need.

At other times, we may be seeking changes or a particular goal in our life. We often go through times of refocusing to achieve a more purposeful life. We may be motivated to be better parents, more loving spouses or just healthier, more whole people. At these times we seek counselling for preventive work, to invest in future goals.

How will therapy help me?
Research increasingly supports the idea that emotional and physical health are closely linked and that counselling can improve a person's overall health.

There is convincing evidence that most people who have at least several sessions of therapy are far better off than individuals with emotional difficulties who are untreated. Most clients noticeably improve after eight sessions, while a high percentage of individuals in therapy improve by the end of 6 months.

How do I know when I should seek help?
Today's increasingly demanding world presents us with many challenges. Sometimes we are able to handle these difficult challenges on our own, or with the help of family and friends. On occasion, life's stresses and strains become too much to handle. A counsellor is trained to navigate in these times of emotional distress.

The following are some signs of distress when the assistance of a counsellor should be considered:

• Persistent feelings of dissatisfaction, apathy or discouragement

• Problems with a child or teen's behavior and / or grades

• Unexplainable fatigue, sadness or difficulty in sleeping

• Difficulties in talking with your spouse, family members, friends or co-workers

• Feelings of loneliness, sadness or failure

• Prolonged stress, anxiety, or panic attacks

• Problems with alcohol or drugs

• Worries about your future

• Frequent financial difficulties

• Difficulty in setting or reaching goals

• Marital dissatisfaction

• Family stress and arguments

• Difficulties with anger, hostility or violence

• Work difficulties (e.g., frequent job changes, problems with co-workers, poor performance, etc.)