I have always seen the value of counseling in my life.  There are many reasons for this.  One of the most important things is being able to have a person who knows how to actively listen.  Active listening is a skill that counselors must have in order to truly understand their clients.  I know what active listening is because my mother was gifted at this skill.  She was not trained to do this.  It was a part of her.  It is such a comfort to know that you are heard.

The value of a good counselor is inestimable.  Without the ability to actively listen, one should never go into counseling.  Being heard is the first and most important step on the road to healing.  Sometimes, not being heard or understood by the people one is closest to, is what causes a person to need counseling in the first place.  But there are also issues that are so personal, that outside counseling is necessary for healing.

Depression can be relieved and lessened by medications combined with counseling.  Medications alone cannot solve many of the reasons for depression and other calamities.  One may have people in their lives who can listen actively, (like my mother could for me) but if guidance and direction is needed, a trained counselor can help you find the answers.

I believe in getting counseling for the situations in my life which bring heartache and sorrow that is too much for family or friends to share with me.  The most valuable skill that a counselor needs, besides active listening, is asking the right questions that will lead a person to find their own solution to the problem at hand.  If the counselor you have doesn’t possess this quality it is a good reason to find another counselor.

That is often a difficult thing to do.  You need to be dealing with the kind of person that is more concerned about your needs and not be offended, but instead want to help you find the right one for you.  I have had different counselors throughout my life and only one of them was a bad fit.  In my opinion, if you don’t have good rapport and mutual respect with your counselor, or they don’t have enough life experience to help you, it is pointless to continue with them.

I guess, it all boils down to what you are in need of in order to heal.  I have been blessed to have the right person at the right time who helped me solve my own problems.  Good counseling with someone you can connect with is truly amazing.  It can help you find the solutions to your problems.  And that is a very good thing.