A visit to a psychologist

Although much attention is given to seeking advice from a psychologist, there is less emphasis on the specific activities that take place during a session and the goals of these meetings.

Some individuals seeking the help of a psychologist may mistakenly believe that a magical solution awaits them. In reality, psychologists and counsellors aim to assist individuals in resolving their issues. Visiting a psychologist marks the start of a journey that involves hard work, with these professionals supporting individuals in managing their emotions and overcoming their traumas.

In my experience, the counsellor I initially visited helped me learn how to manage my emotions by allowing them to come to the surface, recognizing them, and finding a healthy way to express them. Additionally, I learned to differentiate between my emotions and those of others.

Upon beginning talking therapy, I was uncertain about what to expect. All I knew was that I was struggling with persistent feelings of anxiety, unease, and concern. Discovering my counsellor brought me immense joy, as I had previously sought help without success. This time, however, I felt a deep connection with someone who truly comprehended my struggles and could support me through my experiences.

Nevertheless, I quickly grew apprehensive about going, as I discovered that meeting with him would entail revisiting past issues and dealing with distressing emotions. This conflicted with my defence mechanism, which aimed to shield me from unpleasant experiences. I believe that many individuals discontinue counselling sessions because they temporarily feel worse due to the emergence of challenging and painful issues during therapy sessions.

When individuals spend time in solitude, they often encounter their inner thoughts and emotions, prompting them to stay occupied to avoid confronting these feelings. Many individuals choose to distract themselves from their genuine emotions by engaging in activities such as eating, drinking, shopping, playing video games, succumbing to addiction, working out, focusing on work, or prioritizing others over themselves.

Embracing your emotions means being open to whatever arises without avoiding or numbing them. It's a journey of learning to navigate painful feelings and becoming skilled at recognizing and handling them as they pass through you.

A psychologist or counsellor can help individuals understand the emotional processing process. This underscores the significance of establishing trust between the counsellor and the individual seeking assistance. Identifying a suitable professional or approach for this task may take time.

Consulting with a counsellor involves understanding oneself and acquiring the necessary skills to sustain self-reliance. While having regular or occasional sessions with a therapist is beneficial, developing the ability to handle life's hurdles is vital. Ultimately, taking ownership of one's existence entails managing everyday challenges without relying solely on counselling.