Many folks in therapy experience uncomfortable emotions as they begin the change process. The reason why these emotions arise is because emotions carry energy. We have to do something to discharge this emotional energy from the body. If we don’t address challenges and significant life events, that energy doesn’t just go away. It’s stored in the body until we do something about it. Counseling is a way of bringing that energy to the surface and discharging it from the body.

 

While there are risks involved with counseling, it has been shown to benefit those who undertake it. Benefits may include reduction in feelings of distress, increased satisfaction in relationships, greater personal awareness and insight, increased skills for managing stress as well as resolutions to specific problems. However, please keep in mind there are no guarantees.

 

Therapy requires a very active effort on your part. In order to be most successful, you must work outside of sessions as well in order to apply the information to your life. Often I will provide handouts and/or “homework assignments” to assist in the therapeutic process. I recommend that you buy an inexpensive journal to keep reflections, goals, and notes safe.

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