I ♥️ Therapy: Reflections on the Value of Counseling (From a Counselor Who Has Also Been a Client)

By Christine Murray

About a month ago, I wrote a blog post here in which I shared my thoughts on the value of online therapy. After writing that post, I got to thinking about the bigger picture and wanted to share some reflections on the value of therapy in general–whether it’s online or in person.

Therapy or counseling (I’ll use those terms interchangeably throughout this post) with a trained mental health professional can be incredibly valuable in navigating life's ups and downs, fostering lifelong personal development, promoting overall well-being, and expanding your self-awareness and growth.

I write these thoughts from the perspective of someone who is both a licensed mental health professional and someone who has sought counseling as a client. Having experience in the client role has provided me with valuable insights into what it's like for clients. 

Did you know that some mental health professional training programs actually require graduate students to seek counseling as a client as part of their training? Although that was never a required part of my training experiences (either as a graduate student or a professor), I know that my own experiences as a client have benefited my life and helped me understand the overall value of counseling at a deeper level. 

As I reflect on the immense value of therapy in both my professional and personal life, here are five key benefits that highlight its impact on personal growth and well-being.

1. Promoting Growth and Self-awareness: Therapy offers a valuable opportunity for self-examination and personal growth. Counseling can provide clients with the chance to reflect deeply on their experiences, learn valuable insights from those experiences, and gain a deeper sense of self-awareness. Through the counseling process, clients can identify patterns, gain clarity on their emotions and behaviors, and have support while making positive changes in their lives.
2. Objective Feedback: A significant advantage of therapy is the objective feedback provided by trained professionals. This feedback complements the support from friends and family members, who may have personal biases or a stake in or opinions about specific situations you’re facing. Therapists can offer a fresh perspective, unbiased insights, and constructive feedback, helping clients gain a more complete understanding of themselves and their challenges.
3. Safe Space for Exploration and Expression: Counseling can offer a safe and non-judgmental environment for clients to explore and express their emotions, thoughts, and ideas freely. This safe space can help you explore sensitive topics, confront difficult emotions, and work through complex issues without the pressures of needing to make immediate decisions. It encourages open dialogue, vulnerability, and emotional healing.
4. Learning Tools and Techniques: Counselors are equipped with a range of tools, techniques, and interventions tailored to individual needs. These tools can include cognitive-behavioral strategies, mindfulness practices, communication skills, trauma-informed practices, stress management techniques, and more. By learning and applying new tools, clients can enhance their coping strategies, improve their emotional regulation, and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving.
5. Navigating Life's Challenges: Therapy can be especially beneficial if you’re navigating specific life challenges and transitions. Whether it's dealing with relationship issues, managing stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, or adjusting to different seasons in life, counselors can provide guidance, perspective, and support. They can help clients identify and build upon their existing strengths, problem-solving skills, and problem-solving strategies to navigate life's ups and downs effectively.

I’m sure you can tell: I am a huge fan of counseling! As someone who has been in the mental health field for over two decades, it’s truly thrilling to witness the growing acceptance and reduction of stigma associated with seeking counseling in today's world. More and more people are recognizing the value of seeking help from trained mental health professionals, and this positive shift is paving the way for greater well-being and personal growth.

Overall, counseling is a valuable resource that supports growth, healing, and insight. I’ve witnessed its value throughout my career, as well as through my own personal experiences as a counseling client. While counseling certainly is not the only path to personal development, the therapeutic context it provides can be incredibly beneficial in living a fulfilling and aware life.