As an LDS family counselor, I know that counseling and therapy are effective ways to work through a number of problems that can have devastating effects on a patient’s life and on the lives of those around him or her. I also know that whether you live in a big city or a small one, choosing the right professional counselor for you or a loved one can be difficult. To simplify the process, here are 3 questions you should ask yourself that will help you decide where to turn:
1 – What Is The Main Reason I’m Looking For Help?
When you’re seeking help from a mental health professional, narrowing down the main issue that you’re struggling with can help identify the kind of counselor you need to see. Are you coping with depression, stress, relationship problems, problems with children or parents? Once you know what it is that’s causing problems in your life, you can find someone who specializes in treating that specific disorder. Depending on the issue, however, you may need to work with more than one type of mental health professional. For instance, if you are battling severe depression, you may need to see an LDS counselor like me for ongoing therapy as well as a psychiatrist who can prescribe any medications you may need.
2 – Who Am I Seeking Help For?
Are you looking for help for yourself? Or for your spouse or child? Or for your parent or grandparent? If you need a counselor for yourself, you can choose someone who specializes in the problem with which you are struggling, whether it’s substance abuse, postpartum depression or any other mental health issue. If the problem you are having involves you and your spouse, you can find a marriage counselor who can help you with issues involving marriage and relationships. If you are looking for a counselor for a child or adolescent, you should find someone who specializes in children’s issues like self-injury, depression, bullying, substance abuse and eating disorders. Your best bet is to start with either a referral from someone you trust or from an internet search that can narrow down the list of counselors who specialize in particular fields.
3 – What Kind Of Outcome Do I Expect?
Different mental health professionals have different kinds of approaches to handling mental health issues. A psychiatrist will often prescribe medications to address medical problems while a counselor, social worker or psychologist handles problems with therapy. These two approaches can often yield slightly different results. The main goal for each kind of mental health professional is to help you through your challenges so that you can lead a productive, fulfilling and, hopefully, happier life. Though there are differences in the way we treat our patients, we usually work together to provide you with the best care possible.
When you need child, family or marriage counseling, get the help of an LDS family counselor by calling me, Jody VanDrimmelen at Insight Child & Family Counseling at (972) 426-9500. You can also visit me online at www.j9n.83e.myftpupload.com to find out more about me and how I can help.