Counselor
Definition
Counselors are trained to understand and help children, adolescents, adults, and families deal with issues that affect their mental health and general well-being. They teach stress management and communication skills, as well as help people learn how to cope with a chronic illness or disability, bullying, addiction, depression, anxiety, conflict, trauma, divorce, and more. Counselors help their patients change behavior and thought patterns so they can overcome the challenges they face and realize their full potential.
Counselors are also referred to by the following titles:
- Therapists
- Psychotherapists
Key Things to Know About Counselors
- A counselor will help you understand yourself and how you respond to life’s challenges.
- Counselors are bound by professional oath, personal ethics, and legal licensure to uphold confidentiality, meaning everything that goes on in your session is private. Confidentiality does not apply when disclosure is necessary to prevent serious, foreseeable, and imminent harm to the patient or others.
Counseling & Mental Health Wellness
Every person deserves the opportunity to become their best self. This is something we believe for you and you will eventually believe for yourself. Our hope is that we can work together to improve your life and develop self-awareness, so you can feel confident navigating life’s changes and challenges.
Common Misconceptions About Counselors
Some people think they have failed when they seek out mental health care, but that is not the case. It just means they have the courage to reach out and seek help, which is the first step to feeling better. Some people also think a counselor is someone that gives patients advice about life. A counselor does not give advice, but helps patients further explore what they think and feel so they can make the next best decision or choice.
Our Approach to Counseling at Dakota Family Services
We believe anyone can benefit from counseling. People seek counseling for a range of reasons. You can count on Dakota Family Services’ trusted team of mental health providers to be at your side when you need help: coping with depression/anxiety; coping with major life transitions; managing and balancing the demands of parenting, work and family responsibilities; coping with medical illness; improving relationship skills; or managing other stressors.