Saturday, January 29, 2011

Looking for a Solution?

We all have problems and we all dream of finding a solution that takes our pain away. Often, when something goes awry, we search for relief from friends, spirituality, health, and our families. These are all good things and are necessary if we are to lead a "good" life. But where do you turn when your friends and family don't want to listen anymore and exercising does not ease the depression?

Counseling is an option that some may or may not consider. Unfortunately there is a bit of a stigma attached to seeing a counselor implying that there is something "wrong" with the individual. People do not want their friends to see their car parked in front to the clinic.

Counseling is what you do when the wheels fall completely off your marriage. Counselors are there when your children turn down the wrong path.

Counselors are indeed available and help with the above scenarios. But what if counseling was perceived as a "wellness" activity? That is, what if we sought counseling to improve our relationships, to stop problem behavior before it got out of control, and to learn to be better parents?

Wellness is a popular buzz word in health care. Bryan LGH in Lincoln, NE offers a complete program that focuses on healthy activities for all age groups. They even have a healthy cafe on site. Healthcare is seemingly focusing on teaching people to live better lives so that they do not have serious health problems later.

Therapists are also focusing on how to teach people to live the best life that they can. Many offer workshops, webinars, books, and other such things.

I believe that more of us counselors and therapists need to promote our business as helping people live betters lives now so that they can live the best life in the future. Perhaps this would be a way to remove some of the stigma surrounding our craft.

If you are searching for ways to improve your relationships and your life perhaps it may be good time to consider finding a counselor to walk with you on this journey. Call your human resources department and find out if your company offers an Employee Assistance Program. Many do and EAPs are free to employees. Ask a friend. Search online directories for a counselor, such as Psychology Today's.

Seeking help from a counselor does not mean that there is something wrong with you. It means that you are seeking to live your life in the best possible way.

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