AGCS
Amanda Gray Counseling & Supervision
FAQs About Counseling
What exactly is counseling?
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According to the Texas Board of Counselors, "Counseling is defined as the practice of mental health, psychotherapeutic, and human development principles to facilitate human development and adjustment throughout the life span".
In less complex terms, counseling is the process of working with a counselor to identify issues, develop goals, establish a plan to reach the goals, and then put the plan in action.
What is the counseling process like?
Counseling begins with an initial session, at which you and your therapist meet. They will go over the policies and procedures of the process and then gather intake information by asking a series of questions. The counselor may then conduct assessments and evaluations to further assess your unique needs.
In the next following sessions, you and your counselor will establish treatment goals and objectives based on the information gathered from the intake session and assessments. The counselor will then develop a treatment plan, tailored to the goals and objectives you all agreed upon.
From there, you and your therapist will begin meeting on a regular basis, putting the treatment plan in action to reach the goals you all set.
Who might benefit from counseling? When should someone consider going?
Counseling can be beneficial, truly for almost anyone. If you have a situation, problem, confusion, struggle, issue, goals you want to reach, etc., counseling is a way to have some guidance and help with those things.
People may want to consider counseling at any time in their lives. It is never too early or too late. Counselors are trained to work with individuals of all ages and developmental stages of life, from infant to elderly.
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How do I get the most out of counseling?
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First and foremost, it is important that you have the willingness and desire to change. Without that, attending counseling would serve no true purpose.
Secondly, try to be as open and honest with your counselor as possible. Counselors are not mind readers nor is it their professional role to question your honestly. They can only treat you based on the information you give them.
Lastly, do the work! You counselor will teach you skills and techniques in counseling. They will model it for you and even have you practice it during session. From there, it is your responsibility to apply the knowledge to your everyday life. Like the old saying goes, "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink."
How do I find the right counselor?
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It is important to note that even though all counselors go through the same education and training, every counselor is different. There are many different therapeutic approaches and techniques counselors can use. Many therapists have more experience or specialize training in one area than in others.
The best way to ensure you find a good fit is to do some research. Prior to selecting a counselor, explore online about therapists in your area. Find one that you feel has appropriate training, experience, and knowledge to aid you in your unique situation.
Additionally, if there is anything you are extremely passionate about and you need a therapist that has similar beliefs, research beforehand to ensure that.
Lastly, be open and in your initial contact. Counselors are trained to assess their level of competency in treating a specific case. Giving the counselor all of the information allows them to determine if they feel it would be a good fit or if they should refer you to a more appropriate therapist.