Mental health counseling is a process exploring problems and developing the skills and mindset needed to transcend challenges and regain emotional health. The length of the counseling process varies depending on the individual and the mental health disorder or distress. It can continue anywhere from a few weekly sessions to months or, sometimes, years of occasional sessions.
People seek counseling for many different reasons. Sessions may take place on an individual basis conducted in a one-on-one session with a counselor, or engage in couples, family, or group therapy.
Mental health counselors choose from a plethora of approaches when helping someone. Each approach has a particular focus. Mental health counseling methods can emphasize a person’s background, emotions, thoughts, behaviors, or a combination of these elements. Within each category are specific theoretical techniques. Most counselors do not practice one single approach but instead weave together principles of many to best fit individual clients.
Mental health counseling improves and even saves lives. Seeking counseling is a sign of courage and strength because it’s an important step in taking charge of mental health and creating the life that you deserve, a life worth living.