Associates in Psychology and Counseling ● 2101 Park Center Drive, Suite 270, Orlando FL 32835 ● 407-523-1213
Should I Seek Professional Counseling?
By Jennifer Ferrell-Hanington, Psy.D. and Gail W. Mock, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologists
(Published in Orlando's Home and Health Digest April 2005)
Most individuals will face a time in their lives when they may consider seeking the help of a mental health professional to learn how to manage and overcome such issues as depression, anxiety, stress, substance abuse or life crisis. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 44 million Americans suffer from a mental health disorder. This translates to about 1 in 5 adults in any given year.
Consider these additional statistics:
· Approximately 18.8 million American adults have depression. (National Institutes of Mental Health)
· Approximately 19 million American adults have an anxiety disorder. (National Institutes of Mental Health)
· Nearly 14 million American adults are alcohol abusers or alcoholics at any given time. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
· Approximately 4 million youth ages 9 – 17 suffer from a major mental health disorder. (Surgeon General Report on Mental Health 1999)
· Untreated mental health disorders cost American businesses $79 billion in lost productivity per year. (Surgeon General Report on Mental Health 1999)
Obviously, one is not alone when struggling with emotional and mental difficulties. While such difficulties may resolve themselves without treatment, consider the following points as indicators that counseling may be appropriate:
· Symptoms become overwhelming and do not go away after a short period of time.
· The ability to function on a daily basis is negatively impacted, e.g. avoidance of proper grooming, ineffectiveness at work/school or not going to work/school, isolating oneself from friends/family.
· Harmful acts towards oneself or others, e.g. substance abuse or aggression.
The benefits of counseling are based on the goals that you and your therapist establish at the beginning of treatment. The goals may be adjusted based on how long one expects to stay in therapy. While such areas as clinical depression or anxiety disorders may take longer to treat, there are other problem areas that may require only a handful of visits. Some examples of treatment goals that may only require short term counseling include life enrichment, stress relief, decision making, etc. In addition, finding a therapist with whom you are comfortable and your commitment to the treatment by attending all sessions will play a role in its success.
Psychotherapy provides a supportive and confidential environment to discuss and explore factors that may be contributing to the mental/emotional difficulties. It can assist in improving coping strategies in all aspects of our lives, e.g. adjusting how we behave, think, interact with others, and whether we can change our environment or must accept things we cannot change.
It is difficult to estimate how long an individual may stay in treatment to achieve the established goals. However, there is a major study that indicates that 50 percent of clients attained significant improvement after just eight sessions, while 75 percent improved by the end of six months. Beyond just the psychological improvement from counseling, other studies have shown that psychotherapy also has decreased symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and nausea, can boost the body’s immune system, and has increased the survival time for heart and cancer patients.
To find a therapist that is most appropriate for you, it is important to educate yourself about the differences between the various disciplines and licensures of treatment providers. For example, psychiatrists are medical physicians who can prescribe psychotropic medication. Licensed Psychologists in the State of Florida must have a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.), while Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists must have a minimum of a master’s degree. Before you choose a therapist, find out what are the areas of expertise, training and type of treatments that are used with patients amongst the therapists you are considering.
There are many ways to find a therapist. Your family physician may be able to provide you referrals, or your insurance company provider directory may provide you this information. If you are comfortable sharing your interest in counseling with those close to you, family, friends, or even your church/synagogue may be able to provide you names of therapists. Of course, the telephone book will likely have all the therapists available in your area.
Remember that many people benefit from the assistance that counseling can provide. No one should be ashamed to ask for help. If you are motivated, there is a counselor available to facilitate overcoming emotional difficulties and to guide one onto the road of mental wellness.