Even though many of us know about the numerous benefits of counseling and psychotherapy, we also have some misconceptions associated with the same. Among these is the stigmatization of counseling as something that’s only beneficial for those suffering from serious psychological disorders. People may sometimes see counseling as something that’s exclusively for those diagnosed with serious psychological disorders.
We’re going to elaborate on why this isn’t true and why even in the absence of a black and white diagnosis, counseling may be helpful.
Anywhere on the Spectrum
Though counseling and psychotherapy are effective tools when working with problems of the psychological nature. It’s important to understand that these may vary in degree. Many of us may not suffer from full-blown OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). At the same time, almost all of us express compulsive behavior traits or compulsion with regard to certain aspects of our lives and behaviors.
Though we may not be diagnosed, the stated compulsion may be enough to do a bit of damage in the area it’s being exercised. Over-involved parenting, for instance, is an example of compulsive behavior. There may be times when you’re not far along on the spectrum to be diagnosed with a disorder but do exhibit behaviors that may be counterproductive.
If this is indeed the case, the only way to know where you stand and to work on improvement is through counseling.
Disorders and Behaviors
Mental health practitioners work with both, psychological wellbeing as well as individual behaviors. There are psychotic disorders and then there are maladaptive behaviors. Psychotic disorders include schizophrenia and other such psychological ailments where there’s a stark loss of touch with reality.
Maladaptive behaviors, on the other hand, are clusters of behavior traits that we take on during our years of development, which can later become harmful for us and others. These include rage, self-harm and even social alienation.
Even in the absence of a psychological disorder, maladaptive behaviors can ruin relationships, get in your way professionally and reduce the quality of the life you live. Addressing these in counseling and working to overcome them is something that’s extremely beneficial.
A World in Turmoil
Finally, let’s say you don’t struggle with anything on the mental health spectrum and at the same time. You don’t have any maladaptive behavior traits you wish to address. Could counseling still hold some benefit for you?
Yes, it could! We live in a fast-paced and highly stressful world. And have deadlines, financial demands and a whole lot more to worry about. We have relationships that we struggle with, personal obligations to attend to and professional ambitions to oversee. The world we live in too, is in a state that can rattle the best of us. Between the wars and the natural catastrophes we face. It makes sense to believe that all of us have some underlying trauma or the other to contend with!
All in all, there’s enough going on to make the most grounded of us need professional support from time to time and there’s no shame in that!
Winding Down
Counseling helps us navigate our lives better, improve on things we can and accept things that we need to. It could also help us address underlying behavior or personality traits that might get in our way. Or prove to be counterproductive.
What is important is to understand that none of us are below counseling or therapy. And it can be a huge asset if sought and used correctly!
If you’re reading this and were looking for a therapist in alabama who can help you work with any existing personal obstacle or complication or even mental health concerns like anxiety and depression in Birmingham – Alabama, we’re here to help!