Change

Much as we water, feed, and nurture our plants and animals so they will continue to grow, we must provide the same care for ourselves. Physical dimensions are not the only way in which we grow; nor are they the most important ways. Our mental, emotional, and spiritual components deserve caretaking so we can live up to our potential.

Growing means changing. Frequently, we remain stagnate in life, wanting more and not being happy with the way things are. Yet we do nothing more that complain about how terrible things are somehow seeking comfort in telling other people about our unfulfilled life. Years can pass without any positive change because we do not take the needed steps to facilitate the change process.

One of the few things that has not dramatically changed over the years is the negative portrayal of psychotherapy. Frequently, society tends to view therapy as only needed by `really crazy people.' To willingly seek counseling to work though issues is the sign of a strong, determined individual.

Seeking counseling or professional consulting is similar to utilizing other professional disciplinarians such as medicine or dentistry. Dentists, for example, use their expertise from schooling and training on individuals who need assistance maintaining healthy teeth. This does not mean the individual is incapable of taking care of his or her own teeth; on the contrary, they seek out a "tooth expert" to receive the best possible treatments for making sure their teeth are in optimal condition. Because they care about their health, they realize that experiencing short-term discomfort in the dental chair is needed for long-term health.

Likewise, people seeking counseling are taking steps needed to optimize their mental health. Because they wish to be/stay healthy and be the best person they can, they seek the counsel of someone who has been trained in psychology.

Selecting a counselor is a personal matter in that the individual seeking counseling must determine what therapeutic qualities are needed to best interact with the counselor. Core features of all therapists should include genuineness, acceptance, empathy, and having the client's well-being as the primary focus in the therapeutic relationship.

What takes place in the counseling session depends on the theoretical orientation of the counselor, as well as the concerns presented by the client. At the beginning of the counseling process, it is important that the client and therapist agree on the goals of their working together. Agreed upon goals not only provide a treatment plan in which to keep sessions focused, but also a baseline to measure progress on an ongoing basis.

Therapy isn't easy; it takes a lot of hard work and dedication from both the client and therapist to be successful. When successful, therapy can help individuals relieve their emotional distress and find their meaning in life. Once you have meaning in your life, life becomes much more rewarding. Shelly Weiss, Summer 2001


	Shelly Weiss, M.S., Ed.S. \| home Change Much as we water, feed, and nurture our plants and animals so they will continue to grow, we must provide the same care for ourselves. Physical dimensions are not the only way in which we grow; nor are they the most important ways. Our mental, emotional, and spiritual components deserve caretaking so we can live up to our potential. Growing means changing. Frequently, we remain stagnate in life, wanting more and not being happy with the way things are. Yet we do nothing more that complain about how terrible things are somehow seeking comfort in telling other people about our unfulfilled life. Years can pass without any positive change because we do not take the needed steps to facilitate the change process. Change may not be easy, but it is possible. Demystifying Counseling One of the few things that has not dramatically changed over the years is the negative portrayal of psychotherapy. Frequently, society tends to view therapy as only needed by `really crazy people.' To willingly seek counseling to work though issues is the sign of a strong, determined individual. Seeking counseling or professional consulting is similar to utilizing other professional disciplinarians such as medicine or dentistry. Dentists, for example, use their expertise from schooling and training on individuals who need assistance maintaining healthy teeth. This does not mean the individual is incapable of taking care of his or her own teeth; on the contrary, they seek out a "tooth expert" to receive the best possible treatments for making sure their teeth are in optimal condition. Because they care about their health, they realize that experiencing short-term discomfort in the dental chair is needed for long-term health. Likewise, people seeking counseling are taking steps needed to optimize their mental health. Because they wish to be/stay healthy and be the best person they can, they seek the counsel of someone who has been trained in psychology. Selecting a counselor is a personal matter in that the individual seeking counseling must determine what therapeutic qualities are needed to best interact with the counselor. Core features of all therapists should include genuineness, acceptance, empathy, and having the client's well-being as the primary focus in the therapeutic relationship. What takes place in the counseling session depends on the theoretical orientation of the counselor, as well as the concerns presented by the client. At the beginning of the counseling process, it is important that the client and therapist agree on the goals of their working together. Agreed upon goals not only provide a treatment plan in which to keep sessions focused, but also a baseline to measure progress on an ongoing basis. Therapy isn't easy; it takes a lot of hard work and dedication from both the client and therapist to be successful. When successful, therapy can help individuals relieve their emotional distress and find their meaning in life. Once you have meaning in your life, life becomes much more rewarding. Shelly Weiss, Summer 2001