So How Do We Approach Counseling?

by Ellen Warren

Counseling can be a wonderful learning experience that can help cement an interdependent relationship. This is the third part of a three-part discussion that deals with relationships. In this discussion we will explore "deciding on counseling, making your selection, preparing for your first learning session and your first session".

You have probably noticed that the term learning is used, not help, not correction and not change. One should look at counseling as a learning experience and a counselor as a teacher or guide.

Some people look at counseling as curing a weakness or an illness. They feel ashamed, maybe guilty, sometimes disgraced.

Nothing is further from the truth.

How would you feel if you took a course on computers or language at your local school? You would be positive, interested and anxious to get started.

You would think, this will be a wonderful learning experience and I will achieve new knowledge. Your only doubt might be will I pass and what kind of grade will I get?

Well this is the same process except you will be learning about how to develop a new relationship, learning about interdependency, and learning how to communicate your feelings openly to each other. You will be opening a new emotional bank account and you both will be making your first deposit.

Counseling is a golden opportunity to broaden your horizons and make your "circle" (first discussion) bigger. As in the other two discussions, this discussion is again limited to TG/CD and relationship issues.

Next: Deciding On Couseling