WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH A THERAPIST?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Often it is helpful just to know that someone will listen to you and understand. Therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. The benefits available through therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals and values, developing skills for improving your relationships
- Overcoming specific problems such as depression or excessive worry.
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
However, there are no guarantees about what therapy will do for you. Some people find that participating in psychotherapy results in changes that were not expected or intended at the outset.
WHY SHOULD I SEEK COUNSELING FOR MYSELF?
Counseling with a qualified therapist can be an empowering and enlightening experience. It is an opportunity to gain self-awareness and use life’s difficulties to create growth and change. Talking to a counselor can help you carefully analyze troublesome situations, gain new perspectives, and explore options previously not considered. It can help you process feelings and heal from past losses. Deciding to go see a therapist does not mean that a person is “crazy” or that he or she is weak-willed. Making the choice to see a therapist is courageous and an act of personal empowerment.
WHEN SHOULD I SEEK COUNSELING FOR MY PARTNER AND ME?
A good time to attend marriage or relationship counseling is when:
- You want to learn skills and tools to have a good or even better marriage or relationship
- As soon as one of you thinks you need it, even if the other person doesn’t think so.
- You feel stuck and what you have tried on your own isn’t working.
- One of you feels emotionally or physically disconnected and can’t seem to change it.
- You fight or withdraw or refuse to address issues of conflict. You can’t seem to get out of your destructive arguing behaviors.
HOW LONG DOES COUNSELING USUALLY TAKE?
There is no one answer to this question. Each person and situation are different. Some people start feeling better after just a few sessions, while for others it takes longer. The number of sessions depends on your goals, your history, the type of problem, the quality of the client/therapist relationship, and your ability to engage in the process during session and out of the session.
RESOURCES
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: text MN to 741741 any time of day or night
The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386, or text “START” to 678-678. Provides immediate, 24/7 crisis support to LGBTQ+ young folks.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network): 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or 800-787-3224 (TTY)
Hennepin County Crisis Intervention Center: 612-873-3161
Ramsey County Crisis Intervention Center: 651-266-7900
Low-Cost counseling resources in St. Paul: OpenCounseling
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102
651 294 2307
Center for Counseling and Wellness 