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Counselling!
Are
You Crazy?
Many
people still cling to the archaic and
damaging belief that going for counselling
is a sign of craziness. It's not!
In
fact, in my experience over the years
as a registered social worker, I've
found the opposite to be true: It's
the cream of the crop who seek more
education in any area, be it parenting,
self-esteem, assertion training, or
stress reduction. Smart people want
to learn how to master problem areas.
Another
notion is that "all counsellors are
crazy and should be in therapy themselves."
The first part of this statement is true
- counsellors have just as many hang-ups
and issues to deal with as the rest of
the population; however, we do go for
counselling, and in droves. We also encourage
our children, partners, and relatives
because we know talking to the right person
can help to speed up positive results.
The
key word is 'right' person - right for
you. You, and only you, can be the judge
of whether it's a good match. As in learning
anything, the teacher must be on your
wavelength or very little progress is
made, be it piano lessons or therapy of
any kind. Give at least two sessions a
try, and if nothing is clicking, try someone
else. Trust your instincts.
Another
common myth is that counselling is a
long, sad, painful journey. Not necessarily
so! Most people don't have time for
the old-fashioned therapy that involved
endless sessions dredging up past hurts.
Learning can take place through laughter
as well as through tears, and is often
short-term and based on, "Where
do we go from here?"
If
you're having problems coping with the
people closest to you, or you feel you
are your own worst enemy, don't wait until
most of your life is over before getting
help. You'll find personal enrichment
and you'll be a great role model to your
children to take action when their morale
needs boosting.
"The
one word you'll need is no."
Bette
Davis
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