I've written before that stress is normal, and can even be beneficial. Stress and anxiety are indicators that something is wrong and cue us to take action to change something. If you did not experience stress at all, you would likely ignore signals that could endanger your job, relationships, and even your life. I have provided several methods for managing stress effectively to reduce its effect. However, what if these methods don't work? What if you have tried everything, but you don't feel any better? It may be time to seek professional help.
Professional help comes in a variety of forms, but generally involves some sort of counseling. You may choose to contact a private practicing counselor or psychologist or schedule an appointment at a local community mental health center. You may also speak with your pastor or other religious leader for counseling. Physicians and psychiatrists can prescribe medication if needed
What can you expect from the first appointment with a counselor or therapist? First of all, counselors and therapist are generally different terms with essentially the same meaning. Mental health practitioners have a variety of backgrounds and degrees from counseling to social work to psychology. Counseling offices vary somewhat depending on location. If you they are located in a clinic or with a therapy group, you will likely check-in with a receptionist and complete all of the necessary paperwork, much like you do at a doctor's office. Most clinics do try to protect your privacy in the office as much as possible, however, it is almost impossible to prevent calling out names or being seen in the waiting area.
When you are called back, you will be greeted by your therapist and seated in their office. Yes, I said seated. While some therapists may have a couch, clients generally do not lie down. The therapist will gather as much information as possible. This includes medical and psychological history, education and employment, social and personal information such as marital status and living situation, and, of course, symptoms that you are experiencing. He may do this by asking you many brief and specific questions or he may simply ask why you made this appointment and let you provide the information. Each therapist has their own style for retrieving information and gathering adequate and accurate information is what is important. Be as honest and to-the-point as possible. Rambling is not helpful, distracts from the point, and takes valuable time (which you are paying for), so do not be offended if the therapist redirects you. You may be asked personal questions that you find embarrassing. That's okay. The therapist has heard many,many embarrassing stories and will not be offended or taken-aback by what you have to say. It is also the therapist's job to NOT judge you. His personal opinion about your behavior or thoughts is irrelevant to your treatment. The appointment time varies. Some clinics place a time-limit on appointments in order to effectively and efficiently serve all clients (including those who are scheduled after you). The appointment may last 45 minutes, 90 minutes, or even more, but generally an hour or less. You will not receive medication at a therapy appointment, unless you are seeing a psychiatrist and they often do not conduct therapy. You will not have all of your problems resolved at the end of the appointment. You will, however, have an indication of where to go from here and how the therapist can help you. In some cases you will develop a treatment plan which includes your goals and objectives for treatment. You may also feel significantly better simply from talking with someone and releasing some thoughts and feelings that you have been holding on to.
A word here about medication treatment. You may be interested in taking medications or your therapist may recommend them as part of your treatment regimen. Psychiatric medications are very effective at treating a number of disorders and mental health conditions, however, there can be negatives associated with them. As with anything you put in your body, there can be side effects or other reactions. If taken for long periods, your tolerance can increase, which requires increased doses of the medication in order to remain effective. Cost is also a significant consideration as many of these drugs can be quite expensive. Also, medications do not help you manage your emotions or your situation, so if you discontinue the medication there is no guarantee that your stress will not return. However, in some cases medication is necessary and helpful. Do not discontinue therapy simply because you started taking a pill that made you feel better. If you have to stop taking that pill, you will be back at the beginning. Continued treatment may eliminate the need for that pill and you can resume your life with renewed confidence and happiness.
