5 Effective Ways on How to Find the Best Mental Health Counseling Programs

“IF YOU ARE DEPRESSED YOU ARE LIVING IN THE PAST. IF YOU ARE ANXIOUS YOU ARE LIVING IN THE FUTURE. IF YOU ARE AT PEACE YOU ARE LIVING IN THE PRESENT” — LAO TZU (600 BC)

Most people experience slight levels of mental unease at some point in their life, yet most will identify these feelings as mild.  For others, these recurring feelings can be heavy and cause significant stress.

For those seeking assistance, following the plan below can help identify the best mental health counseling programs for you:

1- Be Honest With yourself

There are many reasons to seek help with recurring negative feelings you may be having, and the most important thing to realize here is it’s ok.  It is this awareness that you gain clarity of what it is you are looking for.  Mental health professionals carry a variety of specializations that often focus on the treatment of one particular condition over another.  If you are not sure where to start, we suggest consulting with your general practitioner for their initial recommendations.

2- Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out

Now that you have an idea of the feeling of the negative thought you want to focus on, don’t be afraid to reach out to others for suggestions and recommendations.

This could come from a close friend or coworker, a member of your clergy, or perhaps another trusted medical professional you already have a relationship with, such as your dentist or chiropractor.  Keep in mind you can always start with your general practitioner for their recommendation first.

3- Make The Call

Pick your top 5 therapy programs and start dialing.  Identifying a top 5 is important because it’s possible that some therapists may not be offering programs at the moment.  Remember your goal is to get healthy and to find the best mental health counseling program…for you…and this may take some time.

Set realistic expectations and know that finding the right therapy program may require ‘interviewing’ multiple doctors before you find someone who seems like they really ‘get you’ and offers a program you are comfortable with.

4- Enjoy The Process

Mental health counseling is not always easy, but it will always be rewarding.

Feel the power in being proactive, and knowing you are taking steps to heal, to forgive, and to move forward in a happier healthier state.  During your initial visits with therapists feel free to ask questions, make sure you understand the program process, and the lead therapist’s style or approach to therapy.  Make sure you are on the same page with your feelings and what it is you are looking for from this experience.

5- Make Sure You Are Aligned

The end goal of the 5-step process is to get you comfortable with this new pursuit.

Keep in mind effective counseling can take months or sometimes years to get to a place where you have an improved sense of well-being.  You need to feel comfortable with your therapist and the whole process.  Do they make you feel welcome?  Is the office in the right location?  Do you feel free to discuss personal things with them? Does the schedule work for you?  Take the time to make sure you align with your therapist, and you will set yourself up for success on your journey. Please visit here for more details: https://www.intensivetherapyretreat.com/index.php/why-an-intensive-therapy-retreat