This is the final installment of my series on "Expectations of Therapy".  While I decided to write about this subject last, it is perhaps one of the most important.  I am referring to the fears and and reservations that prevent people in need from seeking help from a professional counselor or psychotherapist.  Let me guide you through a few of the more common hindrances:

• Fear of being labeled: There are some people who forego seeking help from a psychotherapist for fear of being labeled as crazy, psychotic, neurotic or some derivation thereof.  Others may fear a diagnosis of Depression, Bipolar Disorder or some other disorder.  For the most part, I try to avoid labeling or diagnsoses in my practice.  However, there are certain times when they are appropriate.  In order to conquer something, it is sometimes necessary to know what it is you are fighting.  If I do find it necessary to disclose a diagnosis to someone, it is done when I feel the time is right with the utmost delicacy and respect for the person.  This is something that only a trained and seasoned psychotherapist can know how to do properly. 
• Fear of disclosing personal information: It can be intimidating for some people to disclose highly personal information to someone that they just met.  This is exactly why I do an evaluation with every new client.  This enables both of us to get to know each other before any major decisions are made regarding the counseling process.  Contrarily, disclosing personal information to a therapist you do not know has its benefits.  The fact that a counselor is not a friend or family member can actually make it easier for the counselor to help you.  The advice of friends and family members can often be colored with biases, judgments, or preconceptions.  Not only do counselors work to be objective and non-judgmental with their clients, that is what they are trained to do. 
• Cost of treatment: People often cite the cost of treatment as a major reason for foregoing therapy.  One thing I have learned throughout my career is that money itself is rarely the issue, the issue is what money represents in the person's mind (security, safety, power, etc.).  Many times my clients end up being more financially well-off and secure because I help them to overcome the issues that were preventing them from being successful (depression, anxiety, self-esteem, etc.).  I also understand that there are some people that are going through financial hardship and to those I offer several different options for quality treatment at a price that they can afford.

     That wraps up my thoughts on some of the expectations of therapy.  I hope this was helpful in spurring those of you who have been hesitant to seek help to do so at this time.  I also hope that this was helpful for those of you who might be trying to sway someone else to seek help.  I will be writing a blog in the first week of January in order to address New Year's resolutions and starting off 2010 on the right foot.  Until then, enjoy the rest of the holiday season and Happy New Year!

 
Sincerely,

Nathan M. Comerford, MA, LLPC, NCC

Nathan M. Comerford is a psychotherapist in Farmington Hills, MI who has been helping people with their relationship issues, emotional difficulties and mental health problems for the past 9 years. 

Thought Perspectives Counseling, PLLC
31275 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 120
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Phone: (248) 225-5259
www.thoughtperspectives.com

• If you or someone you know needs to speak to someone regarding relationship issues, emotional difficulties or mental health problems, help is a phone call away.  Schedule an appointment today!
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  Nathan Comerford, MA LLPC NCC.
      
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