What is psychological counseling really like?

Not everyone who goes to therapy or psychological counseling has a mental problem. Please note, if not all therapists or counselors who deal with psychological problems only consist of one type of field. There are therapists who specialize in severe mental health disorders (such as schizophrenia), therapists who treat everyday problems, therapists who treat and manage stress, or counselors who treat relationship problems. Just like a specialist, a psychotherapist can help you with a variety of needs, problems and goals.

What do you usually do during a psychological counseling session?

Different counselors, therapists, or psychologists have different ways of dealing with your problem. At the start of counseling, the therapist will usually ask you a few light questions to get to know you better. Starting from what is happening in your life, what makes you go to therapy, what is interfering with your life, and what goals you want to achieve.

During psychological counseling, the therapist or counselor will listen and may take notes on some of the things you say, but not all counselors will take notes. You will not be criticized, harassed, interrupted or judged when you speak. Therefore, you should tell the truth and as much about yourself as possible.

Your confidences and conversations will be strictly confidential. This is where you can express what you feel, honestly, clearly, and without worrying that your words will hurt the feelings of others. The point is, whatever you want, or need to say, it's all going to be fine.

Then, the therapist will usually determine what approach is best to help you achieve your counseling goals. In the world of psychology, there are various types of approaches that can be taken to help clients.

The most popular include cognitive and behavioral therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT), interpersonal therapy, and psychoanalytic therapy. You may also be advised to join therapy sessions in a group.

However, basically each of these types of therapy requires you to open yourself up so that you can detect the root of the problem (through confide or a story to a therapist), managing your emotions and views about the root of the problem, then the therapist will help you find a solution. Whether it's by changing yourself, keeping yourself away from the source of the problem, or learning new techniques to control emotions.

Different psychologists, different problems, different handling

Every therapist, counselor, or psychologist must have a different way of dealing with client problems. Some therapists or psychologists may combine music or art therapy to treat your problem.

Others combine hypnotherapy practice, life coaching, meditation, visualization, or role playing to solve your problem. This will continue in order to achieve solutions and goals to face the challenges you face.

How to find a suitable psychologist or counselor?

You can find a suitable psychologist, counselor, or therapist if you can be open, comfortable and can feel a good change after the psychologist's counseling session. However, if you feel uncomfortable, or feel judged, you may need to find someone else who can help you. It's okay to go to different places looking for the right therapist or psychologist.

Going to psychological counseling can make life better

Having a counseling or therapy session is valuable enough to help you solve problems, set and achieve goals, improve communication skills or keep your emotional and stress levels normal. Where with balance from within you, this can help you build the life, career, and relationships that you want.

Does everyone need it? Not really. However, if you are curious and feel you need it, don't hesitate and be ashamed to be considered problematic. Try to make an appointment for a session or two to vent or vent your feelings with life. That way, undoubtedly you will have a way to relieve stress according to the problem, self-understanding, and long-term happiness to get.