FREQUENT QUESTIONS

How can counseling help me?
 
A number of benefits are available from participating in counseling. Counselors can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. Many people also find that counseling can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Counselors can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from counseling depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from counseling include:
 
  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and values
  • Developing skills for improving your relationships
  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Improving communications and listening skills
  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Do I really need counseling?  I can usually handle my problems.
 
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, counseling is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Counseling provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
 
 
What is the difference between Conventional and Christian counseling?
 
Conventional/s secular counseling and Christian counseling share the same objective …. to help clients conquer their problems and become wholesome and well-adjusted individuals who mentally and emotionally find significance and joy in life. Both types of counseling attempt to help individuals and couples resolve their issues with the guidance of a third party.
 
Christian counseling is different from conventional counseling because it integrates the Biblical truths, spiritual elements, and seeking God’s Will in an individual’s life.
 
 
Why do people go to counseling and how do I know if it is right for me?
 
People have many different motivations for coming to counseling.   Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well.  Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts, and creative blocks.  Counseling can help provide some much-needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods.  Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life.   In short, people seeking counseling are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
 
 
What is counseling like?
 
Because each person has different issues and goals in counseling, it will be different depending on the individual.  In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session.  Depending on your specific needs, counseling can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development.  Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your counselor (usually weekly).
 
It is important to understand that you will get more results from counseling if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of counseling is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life.  Therefore, beyond the work you do in counseling sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors, or taking action on your goals. People seeking counseling are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives, and take responsibility for their lives.
 
 
Does what we talk about in counseling remain confidential?
 
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and counselor. Successful counseling requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the counselor's office.     Sometimes, however, you may want your counselor to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law, your counselor cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
 
However, state law and professional ethics require counselors to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
 
* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
 
* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.
 
 
 
Conventional and Christian Counseling Available in Canton and Kennesaw