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Let’s face it, no family is immune to life’s challenges. We all go through the ups and downs of this journey. Some families hide their hardships well, while others are quite forthcoming. But what remains the same is that life will likely present us with a myriad of experiences. And it is during the low points that the “C” or the “T” word may cross your mind…counseling or therapy. If you are already crossing your arms, I get it, or if you are picking up your phone and ready to make your next appointment, I get that too.

People react to the idea of counseling in their own way and rightfully so. On T.V. we see these silly depictions of a stressed out adult sprawled across the couch as the therapist nibbles on the end of their pencil responding, “what do you think?”  Or maybe we imagine a lonely, sterile room with a deck of ink splotches that are suppose to be the key to our subconscious. Sometimes we think that if we go to counseling, we are admitting to failure. Who wants that? Not me.

The reality is that no one goes through this life without a time that they could use some extra guidance from a counselor. Some are fortunate to know someone who is a counselor, have had an early experience with therapy or have been involved in the social service field to see what a rewarding experience counseling can be.

What can you expect if you decide to go to counseling?

Fortunately, most people get involved in social service positions because they genuinely want to help others, so generally you can anticipate that the therapist that you meet is there because they want to be of help.  Many of the therapists, you’ll find, also have gone through very difficult experiences as well.

If you are are the right place, you should experience a relaxed, genuine, and compassionate environment. It should be a place where you and your family feel respected and listened to and ultimately a place that will help you reach the goals that you have for yourself and/or you family. If you are not experiencing what I just mentioned, then you are at the wrong office and I’d encourage you to look elsewhere.

But, where does one begin?

First off, you need to know that basically anyone in the U.S. can find access to help in the form of therapy if they know where to look. One need not make a large income. There are plenty of places that offer sliding scale fees (this means that the counseling agency may adjust their rates depending on a family’s ability to pay) and often you can find counseling for free.

If you are looking for counseling provided at reduced rates look through the data bases at the following sites:

simply dial “211” in either Oregon or Washington, or you can dial:

(503)222-5555 in Oregon

1-877-211-WASH (9274) in Washington

Check out services on-line: www.211info.org in Oregon

www.win211.org in Washington

If you are someone who has insurance, call your insurance company and ask them for a list of mental health providers in your area that are covered in your plan. You may want to take a few minutes to see if the therapists have a website to learn more about their practice.

Secondly, I often recommend that clients call the therapist ahead of time to see if they feel a connection. Chat with them for a few minutes and express what help you are looking for. And if you go to an appointment or two and still don’t feel comfortable with your therapist, it is O.K. to go somewhere else.

Finally, plan to be available for one hour per week. It is a small commitment that reaps great rewards.

If you could use some guidance for you or your family and it is new for you, take the plunge and try out counseling. Change begins by doing something differently.