What Counseling Does

Counseling provides support and guidance through the processes of healing and enrichment. In general, counselors are specially trained individuals who excel in effectively providing such support and guidance through the administration of specific techniques or therapeutic interventions. Most counselors are well versed in theories of change.

Potential Benefits of Counseling

Benefits from counseling are expected, hoped for, and worked toward. Counseling may result in enhanced quality of life, enhanced quality of relationships, greater overall life satisfaction, the resolution of problems, and enhanced self-awareness. Counseling may also help manage negative emotions or experiences such as grief and loss. The possible benefits of counseling are extensive and far-reaching.

Photography by Kelly Stoker

What Counseling Will Not Do

Counseling does not but on rare occasion provide answers, advice, or instant “cures” for problems. Counseling does not require you to engage in any behavior or activity with which you are uncomfortable or unwilling. This is your counseling, and you have ultimate control over it so long as it is offered. Counseling does not guarantee positive results, though significant benefits are expected and are indeed the goal of counseling.

Potential Risks of Counseling

Counseling may reveal undesirable personality traits or behaviors. Counseling may produce disruptions in relationships, especially if those relationships are based on the issues being addressed. Counseling may resolve one concern only to reveal a deeper underlying issue. Counseling may fail to produce the desired results, or it may produce other than the desired results. Counseling may result in undesirable lasting change.

Counseling Alternatives

Please be aware that alternatives to receiving counseling services from Adam are available. Aside from receiving counseling services from a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Professional Counselor-Intern (LPC-Intern), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), you may find helpful counseling groups lead by an LPC, community support groups, community lay counseling, pastoral counseling, or crisis counseling. Adam encourages you ask for more information if you are interested in alternative treatment options.