Counseling

Deciding to seek counseling is a major and difficult decision for many people because they don't know what to expect. But when you schedule counseling at Northern Virginia Psychiatric Group, you can count on feeling welcome and respected. If you have questions about counseling or want to schedule an appointment, call the office in Fairfax, Virginia, or book one online today.

What is counseling?

Counseling involves you talking with a mental health professional who focuses on your thoughts, feelings, and needs. Their job is to help you understand and overcome your challenges, whether your problems involve emotional, behavioral, relationship, job, parenting, or other life issues.

Through counseling, you may:

• Identify goals
• Make decisions
• Achieve behavioral changes
• Solve emotional problems
• Resolve inner conflict
• Improve communication
• Build and strengthen relationships
• Strengthen self-esteem
• Gain self-insight
• Cope with life changes
• Manage a mental health disorder

No matter why you seek counseling, your counselor offers the support, guidance, and information you need to improve your life.

When would I need counseling?

Counseling provides support and solutions as you navigate many challenges. You may need help with issues like chronic stress, trauma, or grief.

Many people begin counseling when they feel overwhelmed by a major life transition, such as a divorce, losing a job, the death of a loved one, or moving to a new location.

Sometimes people feel stuck and can't make a difficult life decision. Counselors frequently help people with anger management and conflict resolution. Parents often schedule counseling when they need help with their children's behaviors or discipline problems.

Counselors are also trained to provide therapy for mental health disorders. For example, you may seek counseling for depression, anxiety, PTSD, or substance abuse.

What should I expect during counseling?

Counseling is similar to talk therapy (psychotherapy) because you talk with a trained counselor. At your first appointment, they talk about why you want therapy and learn about your concerns, symptoms, and roadblocks. They may perform assessments to identify mental health problems.

You work together to define the goals you want to achieve during counseling, and then they recommend the therapeutic approach that's best for you. Your counselor may take a conversational approach or follow a specific type of psychotherapy.

As your counselor facilitates conversations, you talk about your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, moods, and experiences. You gain insight into how your experiences influence your life and relationships. You may discover your strengths, learn new skills and strategies, and find ways to solve problems.

Your counseling is always tailored to meet your needs and goals, so there's no way to provide a comprehensive guide to what might happen during your sessions.

To learn more about counseling and how it can help you, call Northern Virginia Psychiatric Group or book online today.