There still exists much misunderstanding about how professional counselors can help their clients. Since April is Counseling Awareness Month, it’s a good time to examine some of these issues and provide some clarification.
Why Would Teens See a Counselor?
Teens see counselors for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes, they might have a serious mental health diagnosis, such as depression that requires ongoing treatment. Counselors also work with people who are dealing with substance abuse problems or other addictions. However, a good number of people who seek out counseling services do not have “serious” problems. Instead, they might just need help working through a certain situation they seem unable to resolve on their own.
How Does Counseling Work?
Usually the first session involves a lot of questions and answers as the counselor attempts to get background information and a sound understanding of what has brought the teen into counseling. The counselor attempts to establish a sense of rapport and trust so that the client feels comfortable sharing his or her feelings and experiences. As the sessions continue, counselors use a variety of strategies and techniques to encourage clients to open up and to help promote insight and positive behavior change. Usually, goals are established early in treatment, and subsequent sessions work towards meeting those goals.
When Do Clients Start to Feel Better?
Often, people start to feel better after only a couple of sessions. Even if no real changes have yet occurred in their life, the simple act of talking and the process of feeling as if they are taking positive steps to move towards change are often enough to make people start feeling more positive.
Who Pays for Counseling?
If the teen's parents have insurance with mental health coverage, insurance will probably pick up the tab for a set number of sessions. There is usually a co-payment for each session. Some mental health agencies have sliding scale fees for people who have no insurance. This means that the fee for each session is determined based on the client’s income.
How Long Does Counseling Take?
It depends on the issue. Some problems may be resolved in a few sessions. Some may take longer. Sometimes people stop counseling and then feel that they need to start up again after some time has elapsed. Or perhaps they begin to space their session out more, seeing their counselor monthly instead of weekly, for example. It all depends on what level of support the client needs, and how successful they have been in reaching their treatment goals.
Do Only Crazy People See Counselors?
There still exists somewhat of a stigma around counseling. Some adolescents (and adults, too) still believe that going to a counselor signifies that “they are crazy” or that “something is wrong with them.” Unfortunately, this thinking may prevent people from receiving the help they need.
Unfamiliarity with the basics of the counseling process may keep people from seeking the help that they need. By having a clearer understanding of the role of counselors and how they can help all people reach their potential, would-be clients may be less hesitant about seeking out help.
