Friends can comfort and support you but a counselor will empower and enable you to manage your emotions for a better future

Dipshikha Majumder and Dheeksha Rabindra

I was at my lowest in my life. When I confided my concerns to my closest friend, she heard me out and said it was ok. I should move on. Or they would jump the gun and start advising, “You know what you should do? I will tell you.” Or I would hear “Dude it is all your mistake. You should stop …” They stand by you thick and thin, pour in all efforts to cheer you up and pull you out of the misery, and are always eager to make you feel better. They are your tribe, but THAT’S ALL THEY CAN DO.

Friends are the essence of our life but friends are not equipped to empower you. They may pull you out of the situation through distractions but they are not equipped to empower and enable you to face and manage your emotions for a better future.

What is the alternative? Seek professional counselors trained and equipped with techniques to empower and enable you to see the problems for what it is. You do not have to hit a threshold to reach a counselor or you do not have to have a mental disorder to meet a counselor. Your counselor can be a professional friend who will enable you to get clarity of thoughts, manage your emotions, and assist you in refocusing on your life goals or dreams.

Here are the 6 unique benefits you can reap by talking to a counselor.

1. Professional Expertise: Counselors are trained professional empaths with the knowledge and skills to help individuals navigate through their challenges. They understand human behavior, emotions, and mental health issues. This expertise allows them to provide tailored and effective coping strategies.

2. Confidentiality: One of the key benefits of talking to a counselor is confidentiality. Counselors are bound by strict ethical guidelines that require them to keep all conversations confidential. This means that individuals can feel safe and secure knowing that their personal information will not be shared with anyone else.

3. Objective Perspective: Counselors offer an objective perspective that friends may not be able to provide. Friends may be biased or influenced by their own experiences, whereas counselors can provide unbiased feedback and insights based on their professional training.

4. Specialized Techniques: Counselors use a variety of specialized techniques and therapies to help individuals work through their challenges. These techniques are evidence-based and have been proven to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health issues.

5. Safe Space: Talking to a counselor provides a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to express their thoughts and feelings. Counselors are trained to create a supportive environment where individuals can feel comfortable opening up about their deepest fears and concerns.

6. Long-Term Benefits: While friends can offer temporary relief and support through distractions, working with a counselor can lead to long-term benefits. Counselors can help individuals develop coping mechanisms and strategies that can be used throughout their lives.

While friends can be a great source of support, talking to a counselor can be more beneficial. Counselors offer professional expertise, confidentiality, an objective perspective, specialized techniques, a safe space, and long-term benefits. If you are struggling with challenges in your life, consider reaching out to a counselor for support.