The value of counseling …

Every month of the year is stuffed with multiple “national _________ Awareness Month” designations. In fact, there are so many different awareness efforts that we remain unaware of most of them!

A lot of these issues are important, and that certainly includes the one I’m writing about today, which is the fact that April is national Counseling Awareness Month.

Competent counseling helps people change their lives. Here’s one simple example:

“Sarah, a college student, felt overwhelmed by constant anxiety and panic attacks. It impacted her studies and social life. After a few weeks, she started seeing a counselor. Through therapy, Sarah learned coping mechanisms for anxiety, identified underlying triggers, and developed a healthier way of managing stress. Within a month, her anxiety lessened, and she felt more in control. Sarah’s success story highlights how counseling can provide practical tools to navigate life’s challenges.”

Having counseled many thousands of people over more than three decades, I could ramble on at great length about the importance of counseling … but I won’t! I will, though, share just a handful of reasons why competent counseling is of great value:

Counseling is an invaluable tool for navigating life’s challenges. Life can be overwhelming at times. Competent counseling provides tools to navigate difficult situations — whether it’s grief, stress, or major life changes. It’s like having a compass during a storm.

Counseling is an effective means of overcoming or managing mental health issues. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues affect millions. Counseling equips individuals with knowledge, strategies, and skills for helping them regain control and find hope.

Counseling is a vital help for healing trauma. Counselors guide clients through trauma and loss. Just as Jesus comforted the brokenhearted, counselors offer empathy paired with skilled help for healing.

Counseling is a key means to reconcile and strengthen relationships. Healthy relationships are an essential part of our human experience. Counseling helps mend broken bonds, fosters forgiveness (along with rekindling and reconciliation), and teaches effective communication.

Counseling cultivates change. Counseling nurtures personal growth. Like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, clients can emerge stronger and more resilient.

If you’re one of many who need help to make much needed changes in your life, let me encourage you to get the help you need by connecting with a competent counselor.

Scotty