We are social beings; we all need someone we could share our problems with, be it friends or our family members. We initially seek advice from people who have more experience than us, like our parents. We seek sympathy and comfort from those who are closest to us. We trust them to help us with our problems, even if they are only there to lend an ear to listen.
Although not everyone may help you relieve yourself of your problem, they are there to act as your support. For instance, there are cases wherein we may have issues with people closest to us, say a small argument that escalated into a big fight. In these types of instances, we seek out a third party who can help us resolve the issue. Licensed professional counselors are perfect for this role – they’re made for it, even.
Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and we need to take care of it like how we take care of our body. We often neglect it, but mental health can affect our physical state (read more), along with other aspects of our life. Issues in our lives affect our mental state, many of them having to do with ourselves or with someone significant to us. Therapists are professionals who can help us deal with mental problems, and they also guide us in having a healthier mind.
Counselors play a good role in dealing with our problems with ourselves or significant others. Therapists, on the other hand, play a role in taking care of our mental health. But where can we find them? Below we list some tips in finding counselors and therapists that are accessible not just in Jersey City but in most cities around the globe!
Tips In Finding A Licensed Professional Counselor And Therapist
1. Websites
Great advancements in technology have made our lives easier; we can now even search for professionals with our handheld gadgets or by using a home computer! Websites are a good source for finding counselors and therapists, and several of them are listed for you to choose from – most of them with reviews! Through online counseling, you can also have therapy even in the comforts of your own home!
Today, as we face one of humanity’s greatest and most formidable health threats, Coronavirus, having therapy just by staying at home helps take care of your mental health without risking the physical. There are some drawbacks too, though! This may include having miscommunications, technical difficulties, and sometimes problems in getting prescriptions. Nonetheless, it is still a viable option in scenarios like today.
2. Ask Friends And Colleagues
One of the easiest ways to look for a counselor or therapist is by asking for recommendations from someone you know. It is easy because you can trust them and it may be much more comfortable for you to approach them than strangers.
3. Referral From Another Professional
If you plan to move out of your place and thus, become unable to meet with your usual therapist/s anymore, you can have your existing therapist refer someone new to you. They are a reliable source since they know who they refer to you and they have pretty good professional networks.
4. Look Up The Newspaper
Newspapers may contain information about many professionals, and that includes experts in mental health. You might also find contact information and the location of their clinic or workplace. The drawback is that you would not know if you like their therapies until you try them, or get a hold of feedback from previous clients.
5. Call A Psychology Department From Universities
Universities are included as a source in looking for professionals. It may be an unorthodox way of looking, but it is effective nonetheless. Many universities are updated about their graduates, and they hold records of their professional practice and field achievements. Plus, some universities have their counseling department where students can have counsel with a professional. Counseling departments can help refer you to professionals outside their workplace, and they may be a good source for private counselors as well.
6. Why Seek Out Professional Counselors Or Therapists?
There are many reasons people refuse to look for professional help. The most common reason for them not having therapy is because of how expensive it is, and they find it to be an “irrelevant” expense. Of course, some reasons might be acceptable, but let us dive into the brighter side of things. Here is why you need to have therapies from licensed counselors or therapists:
7. Their License Are Not For Show
With several certificates and achievements hanging up their wall, they are not there to only listen to your problems and have you pay for their time. They are trained to support you and give clarity to your issues and help you to find yourself. A licensed therapist can diagnose you and suggest treatments; they can also issue prescriptions if necessary. Counselors are there to work out with you, with your plans, and monitor your progress.
8. Cost-Effective
Therapy is expensive, but despite that, it is cost well spent. According to the British Columbia Psychological Association, therapies are cost-effective (link: https://www.psychologists.bc.ca/sites/default/files/pdfs/Psych_cost_effectiveness.pdf), and they could help save up money. It proved that keeping mental health optimal can reduce costs for healthcare expenses in the future.
9. Helps In Your Relationship With Other
Seeking professional help will also have a positive effect on your personal relationships – your relationship with your partner, friends, and the rest of your family. They help in identifying issues and help you find resolutions to certain situations you may be having trouble dealing with. Counselors are perfect for the role of the third person who is neutral and unbiased.
10. Helps In Your Mental Health
Maintaining or improving mental health is the main reason why you should look for professionals. They are trained to give treatments to help you if you are suffering from depression, general anxiety, phobias, etc. They help in keeping your mental state as healthy as it can be – and they can become your greatest confidant in life!
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.
