Of course there’s another aspect to self-help that I almost forgot about- which is kind of the back bone to the whole industry- and that is counseling. I hadn’t actually ever been to counseling until a few years ago. I went through a terrible loss in my life and knew that I needed some help to get through it, and I wasn’t really in the mood to do any sort of group counseling or support group (I’m not knocking them- it just wasn’t something I wanted to do at the time). So, I opted for private counseling. My first attempt with a counselor was a bit of a mess. When I showed up to the appointment the woman forgot the reason I had made the appointment and made a comment as to why I was there- I should have left right then, but I stayed for the entire time, regretfully. After that appointment I called my best friend and asked for the name of her counselor and made an appointment.
Initially I would just call when I was going through a particularly difficult time.( In hind sight I wish maybe I had just scheduled regular appointments…oh well). After the first couple of years and a job loss, I started seeing her more regularly. I always felt better after I left, but SO often I went to my appointment with a pit in my stomach. And this was with someone that I have tremendous respect for, but I also knew she would keep things real with me. She’s always said what I needed to hear, not what I wanted to hear.
My original reason for going to counseling is still a part of my life, but in a totally different way. I still talk with my therapist (by phone now, she’s left the area……unfortunately) and what I’ve gained through her insight and knowledge is something I could never put a price on. It is without a doubt one of the best investments I’ve ever made in myself.
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