What Counseling Is

The word counseling can mean different things. Attorneys provide counsel or legal advice to their clients. Financial counselors offer monetary advice. Clinical counselors however don’t generally give a lot of advice. Their “currency” if you will is emotions, but they don’t and can’t tell you what to feel.

What Counseling Does

What counseling can do however is help people better understand and cope with their emotions, especially the more difficult ones. Counseling or Therapy (these are interchangeable) can aid people in finding the source of their emotions when this seems elusive. It can also provide a sanctuary of sorts in which to explore issues; and provide resources and tools to better cope with emotions, relationships, life events and other issues.

Some commonly explored issues in therapy are: family of origin, life stages and changes (transition to adulthood, emerging adulthood, middle age crisis, empty nest, etc), coping with challenges such as infertility, miscarriage, or illness, parenting, adoption, and attachment. Finding healthy ways to manage anxiety and depression is another concern that often brings people to therapy.

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How Counseling Works

In our world of ever-growing social media, counseling is one of the last vestiges of face-to-face contact. Unlike most relationships however, a counselor or therapist provides you with an objective viewpoint that you won’t get from family or friends. Also, since there is no reciprocal obligation for you to counsel your therapist (and in fact this would go against the ethics of the profession) it is a unique relationship that affords you time to just focus on yourself. Consider this time well spent if it helps you sort out issues, problem solve and in general feel better. Usually, people close to you will benefit as well, if they truly have your best interests at heart.

AN ANALOGY

One way to think of counseling is like driving lessons. You are driving, but there’s someone there to help you get where you want to be. They will put the brakes on if needed, but you are in the driver’s seat.

Counseling Faqs

1.⁠ ⁠What is counseling, and how does it differ from other types of advice?

Counseling is a form of therapy that focuses on helping individuals understand and manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Unlike legal or financial advice, counseling doesn’t provide direct solutions but facilitates self-exploration and personal growth.

2.⁠ ⁠What issues can counseling help address?

Counseling can assist with a variety of concerns, including life transitions (e.g., emerging adulthood, midlife crises), coping with challenges like infertility or illness, parenting, adoption, attachment issues, and managing anxiety and depression.

3.⁠ ⁠How does the counseling process work?

Counseling provides a safe and objective environment where individuals can explore their feelings and experiences. The therapist acts as a guide, helping clients navigate their emotional landscape without judgment or reciprocal obligations.

4.⁠ ⁠Is counseling the same as therapy?

Yes, the terms “counseling” and “therapy” are often used interchangeably. Both involve working with a trained professional to address emotional and psychological challenges.

5.⁠ ⁠What can I expect from a counseling session?

Sessions typically involve open dialogue about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The counselor may provide tools and resources to help you cope with specific issues, but the focus remains on your personal journey and self-discovery.

6.⁠ ⁠How long does counseling typically last?

The duration of counseling varies depending on individual needs and goals. Some may find a few sessions sufficient, while others might engage in longer-term therapy.

7.⁠ ⁠Is counseling confidential?

Yes, counseling sessions are confidential. Therapists are bound by ethical guidelines to protect client privacy, with certain legal exceptions (e.g., risk of harm to self or others).

8.⁠ ⁠Do I need to have a specific problem to seek counseling?

No, counseling isn’t only for crises. Many individuals seek therapy for personal growth, self-exploration, or to enhance their overall well-being. If you are using health insurance however, you would have to meet “medical necessity” criteria in order to qualify for coverage. Please reach out if you have questions about this.

9.⁠ ⁠How do I know if counseling is right for me?

If you’re experiencing emotional distress, facing life transitions, or simply seeking a better understanding of yourself, counseling can be beneficial. It’s a proactive step toward mental and emotional health.

10.⁠ ⁠How can I schedule a counseling session with Raina Cowan?

To schedule a session, you can contact Raina Cowan at (773) 609-3264 or via email at [email protected] Her office is located at 3411 W. Diversey Ave, Suite 8, Chicago, IL 60647. Office hours are Monday through Thursday during the day.

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If you have any more questions or need further information, feel free to ask!