Love help: Does counseling actually help or is my $20/session not worth it? - Help.com

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I have the same feelings if you ever wanna talk you can IM me at (email removed), i dont know about counseling but if you just throw yourself into the world, just take a plunge and do something new your spirits will be boosted

You will get out of it what you put into it. If you spend the money and go in with the idea that it won’t help you then you are right. If you go into the session and make every effort to get something out of it then it is very much worth spending the money.

I think counseling can help. It really depends on the counselor though - must be someone you feel comfortable with. Talking with a supportive group of friends helps as well. Helping others in a similar situation can help you to forget about things that are bothering you. Sometimes just hearing what others are going through trivializes my own set of problems. If someone isn’t available to be an ear for you, try writing in a journal and expressing your thoughts. Talking or writing about your feelings can help to alleviate and manage stress.

I know you have probably heard this a lot too… but exercise - swimming, hiking, biking or any physical activity where you really exert yourself seems to help as well. I joined a gym a few years ago and it has made such a difference in my quality of life. Swimming seems to be just the trick for me and I have met some great swimming pals. It is rewarding in more ways than one. Sticking to this routine gives me more control over my life and the way I feel in general.

Totally agree with Ames. Running or vigorous walking sounds good for your circumstances since you’re alone and without transportation, and exercise has been shown to work just about as well as medication for depression, without the side-effects, and with the added health benefits.

the advice that is given on help from the regulars IS sound and responsible.
what you get from a counselor may vary greatly. In my experience, Ive known over 5 people who have gone to counseling, and it has not helped a single one of them. All 5 people were un-related, each had a different counselor, etc. They were generally unhappy when they were seeing counselors. People who go to counselors and meet other people who went to counselors always have the same kind of shared experience: They’re glad they’re not going anymore and the counseling didn’t really help. i wouldnt say this if i people were having tons of success with them, but the truth is, they aren’t. i dont have world-stats, but out of everyone i know who went to them, they actually got worse IMO. It is so hard to find good advice, as hard as finding out what advice to give yourself. dont expect someone else will know. yeah, running is SOO good for your mental state. i run twice a week.

MMmokay. Here’s the thing about most counseling: the goal for the counselor is to help the individual to explore their own feelings, and come to their own plan of action. That’s why so many people say things like, “The counselor just sat there while I figured it out for myself.”

Counselors will tend to listen a lot before they start coming forth with advice and guidance, because, well, they’re people and they need to get to know you a little before presuming to know all the answers. But, again, finding the right match for you can make a big difference. Stick with it for a couple of months.

Really, is it about you applying yourself to your life. So, get that treadmill out of the basement.

Yikes! Living in an unsafe neighborhood is a problem - running from something or somebody isn’t the idea. While it is difficult to overcome certain obstacles maybe you might consider some alternatives to get around those obstacles. I think Oster has a great idea… try bringing that treadmill up out of the basement. Do you have a library nearby that you can go to? There may even be a book or video about controlling eating disorders. I one time checked out “Make the Connection,” (video or book), and while some might have found it silly - I found it to be truly inspirational. Although Oprah could really afford her to have her own personal trainer I learned to become my own personal trainer when it came to healthy choices in food and physical activity. I also found a couple of friends to exercise with and discuss diet choices with which helped.

You are only 17, but no matter the age you deserve to be healthy and to feel happy about yourself! :)

Hm, I’m sleeping when you’re writing (this time on the sofa, by accident).
When waking up, it’s all said, this time by ames and oster.
I agree.

I went to couciling for quite a bit and it really helped me. Keep with it and see.

counciling helps if you participate. If you work it too, and don’t just depend on the therapist to “fix” everything.

yes, it is worth it, but only if you let it be.

There are moments I have to hug everyone in a thread (((ALL))).

(((Linda)))

I don’t know where you live but 20 is nothing. my state pays 150.00 each session. I go once every month and been going for 10 years.I have Bi-polar and c.o.p.d.

Oops I just seen was replying to something posted 5 mo. ago.sorry since I’m here .Hope you all have a great night.I’ll probably be here …as usual.Tomorrows my birthday yaa me.