|
The decision to seek counseling is an important step. Too often, people don't
get help because they feel guilt, shame or embarrassment. By deciding to get
help, you have made a choice to feel better and to improve your life.
Counseling services should be chosen to meet your needs. This information
describes common types of counseling. Working with a trained mental health care
provider, you can develop the right treatment plan. Keep in mind that all
counseling services are confidential. Counselors are bound by law to keep your
problems private.
Where do I start?
First, you will receive an "assessment," a review of your mental
health. The assessment is done by a person trained in mental health care. Mental
health care specialists include family therapists, social workers, psychologist,
psychiatrists and other professionals. (Your health care provider can refer you
to a mental health care professional.)
The assessment is used to diagnose the problem and determine the best
treatment. You will be asked to describe why you want counseling, any symptoms
you have had (emotional, mental and physical) and your medical history. You may
be given a question-and-answer survey. For substance abuse problems, a drug
screening may be required.
What happens after the assessment?
Once the assessment is complete, you and your mental health professional can
develop a treatment plan. At this time, you and your counselor can discuss:
- The best type of counseling
- The best setting for counseling (counselor's office, outpatient clinic,
hospital, residential treatment center)
- Who will be included in your treatment (you alone, family members, others
with similar problems)
- How often you should go to counseling
- How long counseling may last
- Any medications that will be needed
What are the types of counseling?
The following list briefly describes common types of counseling. These can
be used together or alone, depending on the treatment plan.
Crisis intervention counseling
In cases of emergency (such as rape, spouse abuse, running away and
suicide), the counselor will help you get through the crisis and refer you to
further counseling or medical care, if needed. These services are provided by
community health agencies, helplines and hotlines.
Individual counseling
You meet one-on-one with the counselor. This type of counseling works well
when problems come mainly from you and your thinking patterns and behaviors. In
addition, some problems are very personal and difficult to confront with others
present. Some examples include grieving, anxiety disorders, depression and
phobias.
Family therapy
Sometimes a problem isn't part of just one person, but has roots in close
relationships with others, especially family members. For instance, alcoholism
is called a "family disease" because it affects the alcoholic's life
and the life of those around him.
Family therapy can help family members resolve issues among each other. It
also can help them adopt ways to help another family member get well. Family
members can learn how actions and ways of communicating can worsen problems.
With help, new and improved ways of communicating can be explored and practiced.
Family therapy often is used when an adolescent has a problem with alcohol and
substance abuse.
Group therapy
In group therapy, people join in a group and discuss their problems
together. The session is guided by a counselor. Members in the group often share
the same problem, but not always. The group session provides a place where
people can confide with others who understand their struggles. They also can
learn how they see themselves and how they are seen by others. Members gain
strength in knowing that they are not alone with their problems. Group therapy
is useful for a variety of problems.
Long-term, residential treatment
The person lives at a treatment center. The length of stay can vary,
depending on the treatment program and progress of therapy. A program can last
more than a year or just a week or two. Settings include hospitals, home-like
structures and clinics.
In the case of residential treatment, you would focus on your problem and on
getting well. Other activities--such as work, school, family and hobbies--take a
backseat to treatment. In most programs, you receive counseling daily and
participate in regular group therapy. Additional counseling after residential
treatment has ended may be needed.
Self-help and support groups
Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon,
Alateen and Overeaters Anonymous are examples of self-help groups. These
groups provide support and understanding to participants who share the same
problem, such as a chemical dependency or overeating. These groups usually meet
regularly without a therapist or counselor. There are self-help groups for many
mental and physical problems. Ask your counselor or health care provider for a
list of support groups or refer to the yellow pages.
|
