Does counciling really help? For those who go, do you tell them things you would never tell them anyone else? Is it a sign a weakness?

JDINTERACTIVE said:

without going into it I've been extremely up and down the last few months emotionally and was/am going to start seeing a counsellor or psychiatrist (sp) ...it's worth it JD and as has been said elsewhere in this thread it's positive that you can see you need it - THAT'S a step forward already

I don't know maybe I should just get over it I think. It just feels like a bit of a step into the unknown. I'd be really ashamed to admit it to my folks.

Pay someone to tell you the common sense answers you're too scared to look closely enough at your life and arrive at by yourself?

No thanks.

Does counciling really help? For those who go, do you tell them things you would never tell them anyone else? Is it a sign a weakness?

I'm going to see a psychologist on Wed. Its my very first time...I'm scared but I definitely need it.

And I disagree with the idea that paying someone so they can give you common answers. For one these are trained proffessionals who study the mind and can help you in SOME aspects. I agree that it takes some effort on your part to help yourself in your own life. But the reason I am going is that...it easier to talk to a total stranger about your problems and have them listen to you. I don't seek advice...but it is human nature to seek praise or some type of indication that you are right. I simply want to be recognized as that my feelings are real and that its ok to feel the way I feel. Instead of hearing "Snap out of it" "Thats so stupid" "don't cry it doesnt get you anywhere". Stupid crap like that...but thats just my opinion

BucketOfBouncyBalls said:

all very true hon... what you should get out of this is the start of the path of SELF-help they should be able to show you a way to work through things at your own pace and the way you need to

I was going to go see one on the 1st but didn't make the appointment

good luck

Pay someone to tell you the common sense answers you're too scared to look closely enough at your life and arrive at by yourself?

No thanks.

to sammij and mach, yes I certainly see the benefit in talking to someone. Oftentimes we need somebody to remind us of things, or offer a different perspective. We become so caught up in something that we tire, or lose all ability to think clearly about a situation. However, we should hopefully all have friends capable of helping us in this way rather than a stranger we have to pay money to for the privilege. I guess sometimes, though, this is not possible, and these people are trained professionals after all. I tend to believe we know more than we think, however, and really learn very little that is new, but rather are just reminded of things we already know. To answer the original post, it's certainly not a sign of weakness. We all need a little guidance and a few reminders sometimes, because for all we can know in totality, as an individual we cannot expect to be able to logically and rationally draw upon our knowledge when strong emotions and personal situations are involved. Then, of course, there are those times when people simply know things that we don't, and we learn. Still, I would say look to trusted friends first and foremost if possible before giving your money to a stranger.

...
[Edited 12/11/05 7:44am]

to sammij and mach, yes I certainly see the benefit in talking to someone. Oftentimes we need somebody to remind us of things, or offer a different perspective. We become so caught up in something that we tire, or lose all ability to think clearly about a situation. However, we should hopefully all have friends capable of helping us in this way rather than a stranger we have to pay money to for the privilege. I guess sometimes, though, this is not possible, and these people are trained professionals after all. I tend to believe we know more than we think, however, and really learn very little that is new, but rather are just reminded of things we already know. To answer the original post, it's certainly not a sign of weakness. We all need a little guidance and a few reminders sometimes, because for all we can know in totality, as an individual we cannot expect to be able to logically and rationally draw upon our knowledge when strong emotions and personal situations are involved. Then, of course, there are those times when people simply know things that we don't, and we learn. Still, I would say look to trusted friends first and foremost if possible before giving your money to a stranger.

...
[Edited 12/11/05 7:44am]

to sammij and mach, yes I certainly see the benefit in talking to someone. Oftentimes we need somebody to remind us of things, or offer a different perspective. We become so caught up in something that we tire, or lose all ability to think clearly about a situation. However, we should hopefully all have friends capable of helping us in this way rather than a stranger we have to pay money to for the privilege. I guess sometimes, though, this is not possible, and these people are trained professionals after all. I tend to believe we know more than we think, however, and really learn very little that is new, but rather are just reminded of things we already know. To answer the original post, it's certainly not a sign of weakness. We all need a little guidance and a few reminders sometimes, because for all we can know in totality, as an individual we cannot expect to be able to logically and rationally draw upon our knowledge when strong emotions and personal situations are involved. Then, of course, there are those times when people simply know things that we don't, and we learn. Still, I would say look to trusted friends first and foremost if possible before giving your money to a stranger.

Fauxie said:

Is this Tom Cruise?

yes, it helps if you let it. Plain and simple.