Should I go to counseling?
Question:
At first, I shut myself down completely--to survive--but I gradually have been allowing myself to think of that night--knowing a complete mental block is unhealthy.
Like I said, I feel like I'm 'okay' and it is all past me. Then I joined one of my mother's sessions, and it turned out to be an 'all about me' thing.
I don't know if the sudden onslaught of questions, or the fact that my mother was right beside me, but it was hard to compose myself.
I'm afraid of counseling, because I fear it's like opening a can of worms. I don't want to start thinking about it and not be able to stop--but at the same time,
I don't want to turn into one of those crazy people you hear about on TV.
I just don't know what I should do.
Thanks!
Answers:
I wish there wasn't such a stigma about going to counseling. If you get the right counselor, it can be VERY beneficial. Why don't you give it a try...? Maybe they can aid you in making peace with this tragedy. It may "open a can of worms" in the beginning...but your counselor isn't going to dismiss you with unresolved feelings. I think this could be a very positive experience for you. I'd say go for it :-)
try not to base life on the tv
if you need help, get it, problems don't go away ignored
talk to your personal MD or OB
they can advise someone who will take care of you
be wise
if you aren't comfortable at first with the person make changes
understand issues will come up, the not nice ones
sometimes you have to deal with the bad to get to the good
anti meds may help as well
Going to a group session with your mother doesn't seem like a very wise thing to do.
By now, you should be feeling more hopeful unless the fire caused serious injuries.
Maybe it is the can of worms that needs to be opened. Often what you avoid the most is exactly what you need to do.
Find a good Neuro or Cognitive Therapist.
Dealing with a home fire is devastating. And, like you said, you probably are dealing with it "okay".
Even so, a tragic event like this can trigger a lot of feelings which can get stuffed.
Counseling may be just what you need to make sure that you are able to function more than "okay" in the future. Counseling can be like "opening a can of worms". It is hard to predict just what may surface in those sessions.
It seems to be that a listening ear is really what you needed and why you let down your guard a bit - leaving your feelings exposed.
Counseling will provide you with a listening ear (as long as the counselor you get is a good fit for you). The counselor will be able to help you sort through your feelings and help you figure out your direction for the future.
Many healthy-minded people seek counseling.
Be true to yourself. When you really give it thought, do you think counseling may help?
It does not have to be forever.
More Questions & Answers...