When
I started engaging in counseling 11 years ago I assumed the scope of
the sessions would focus on medicine, and my mental illness. However,
nobody should assume. Counseling applies practical problem-solving
demands to the stresses of life that impacts peers living in
recovery. Counseling may help an individual manage diverse concerns
such as codependency, low self-esteem, and motivation to be your best
self, etc.! Therefore, if you're newly diagnosed, or do not have
diverse experience with counselors my experience, which I will share
can help. I will focus on the benefits of counseling from personal
experience. There are several benefits to counseling, however, I will
focus on only three, here.
#1-
Counseling focuses on the whole person.
#2-
Counseling encourages growth.
#3-
Counseling can be ongoing.
First,
a significant benefit of counseling is its focus on the whole person.
The doctor or psychiatrist concentrate on treating symptoms, and
prescribing appropriate medication. Counselors support doctor
recommendations, however, they are more attentive to the daily
challenges impacting the person's overall mental health such as
emotions within relationships that add stress, and triggers symptoms,
or a diverse range of concerns. Yes, we talk about side effects, my
condition, and how I choose to manage my recovery in counseling
sessions, but moreover, the sessions add balance to life through
reflection, and discussion, which relationships with friends cannot
help like a professional can.
Second,
counseling encourages growth. I appreciate counseling for helping me identify strengths, and opportunities to advance them. Counselors are
creatively resourceful. I am a peer counselor, otherwise known as a certified peer
specialist (CPS). My counselor identified the CPS training and
position as an area that I could achieve. They referred me to the CPS
training that teaches peers how to articulate their recovery
experience, in order, to bring other peers into the realization that
they can overcome challenges of stigma, and of life, by identifying
inner strength, passion, and goals to explore, and to live well in
recovery.
A
CPS is a peer in recovery that counsels other peers by lived
experience, giving encouragement, and supporting the goals of others.
Certified peer specialists are a growing profession within the mental
health field. I enjoy motivating peers by sharing my recovery
experiences, facilitating recovery-oriented meetings among related
skills, and talents. The Georgia
Mental Health Consumer Network, offers
CPS training. This organization can be a great example to states that do not
offer this training and position.
Finally,
the practice of engaging in counseling sessions does not have to be
for only a season. Counseling could be ongoing, or under need basis
from time to time. I maintain counseling to work on myself, but
that's not to say that a peer must have
a counselor to better manage. However, I highly recommend counseling
through major events such as setbacks in wellness, and life's significant stresses. These life stresses may include: changes in job placement, education, grief, and relocation. Moreover, counseling helped me get
back on track in the past through events that required
transition and enabled me to practice resiliency to the fullest!
Overall,
the greatest benefit of counseling is self-improvement on
the whole person.
Counseling helps peers practice balance, growth, and
to work on their whole person for life, if so desired. In fact,
online counseling is available. Thus, I encourage peers to view
counseling as an option, and not a chore for recovery solely for
one's mental health condition, because counseling helps the whole person.
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