Ditching the Stigma ...........................................

Seeking counseling has always had a negative connotation, especially in BIPOC cultures. I know that in my culture, a lot of individuals do not want to seek counseling because they feel as though counseling is for “crazy people” or they do not want to be labeled. Sadly, they choose to deal with problems on their own or self-medicate which sometimes causes more stress and depression. Fortunately, more and more people are enlightened about how freeing counseling is, but there are still others who are uneducated about the importance and value of counseling. 

4 Reasons why is counseling important:

• Allows you to release emotions- Having a safe non-judgmental environment where you could discuss those build up emotions is healthy for your mental well-being. The best part about this is that everything you express to the counselor is confidential. This means that you don’t have to worry about anyone knowing about anything you discussed in sessions.
  
  
• Decreases stress– Whether you are stressed and overwhelmed with all that you are managing daily or from life events that have taken place, a counselor will guide you with managing that stress. Although your issues don’t disappear, counselors can bring awareness on how to manage situations in a healthy way.
  
  
• Help you manage emotions- Counselors will help guide you to develop healthy coping strategies to manage your emotions better.
  
  
• Help you identify hidden reasons for your behavior- In some cases our behaviors signify the hidden trauma that we have not dealt with. An example of this would be a person who experienced abandonment, is defensive and lacks trust with others due to their hidden emotions from the hurt they feel from being abandoned. Counselors can help you connect your patterns and behaviors to those hidden emotions.  

 
Seek Counseling: Let’s ditch the stigma around seeking counseling when you need it. Look at it this way, if you see a doctor for your medical needs, why not see a counselor for your mental needs? I cannot stress enough how freeing and liberating counseling it is as it truly promotes a healthier way of living. If you ever thought about receiving counseling give it a try! 

Patricia Jallah is a Master Level Therapist Intern at TLC. She specializes in Substance Use Disorder treatment and works with teens (14-19 y/o), adults and seniors who also experience depression, anxiety and bi-polar disorder.