Why we need to attend counselling therapy?

Counseling therapy serves as a crucial intervention for enhancing mental health, offering individuals tools to navigate emotional challenges, cope with stressors, and develop healthier interpersonal relationships. The necessity of attending counseling stems from the widespread prevalence of mental health issues that affect individuals across various demographics. Studies indicate that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions are effective in treating common mental health disorders (Makanjuola et al., 2023). This evidence supports counseling as a viable strategy for mental health improvement, particularly in light of increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and related disorders in contemporary society.

Historically, mental health recovery has often been seen through a narrow lens, focusing primarily on symptom management. However, recent research highlights a transformative shift towards holistic approaches that encompass not only clinical interventions but also lifestyle adjustments, which may include occupational and art therapies. These integrative strategies have shown promise in significantly enhancing individual well-being and quality of life (Wasmuth et al., 2022). Thus, counseling therapy can play a pivotal role by providing a structured environment where these broader therapeutic modalities can be explored and integrated into an individual’s treatment plan.

Access to psychological therapies remains a critical concern, especially for disadvantaged populations who often experience disparities in mental health service utilization. Research indicates that individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds may receive different mental health treatments compared to those from more privileged circumstances, suggesting a systemic issue in mental health care accessibility (Browne & Hurley, 2017). By attending counseling therapy, clients gain not only expert guidance but also an opportunity to bridge these disparities, equipping them with coping strategies that are essential for navigating their unique life challenges.

Engagement in counseling provides a therapeutic alliance, a concept that has been evidenced through both qualitative and quantitative studies. Research shows that patients' perceptions of therapy effectiveness significantly improve when they perceive a strong therapeutic alliance with their counselors (Giebel et al., 2020). This is particularly vital in acute mental health settings where patients often face stigma and reluctance to engage in traditional therapeutic procedures. The establishment of trust in the therapeutic relationship can lead to better treatment outcomes, demonstrating the indispensable role counseling plays in fostering mental health recovery.

Moreover, the evolution of technology in the mental health realm has led to the proliferation of online therapy options, which have gained momentum particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital platforms enhance accessibility, allowing individuals to seek help in a way that can be less intimidating than traditional face-to-face therapy (Berry et al., 2022). Current evidence supports the effectiveness of online interventions related to mental health, showing similar efficacy compared to conventional therapy modalities (Arya, 2023). However, for many individuals, the initial step of seeking help can be daunting due to societal stigmas surrounding mental illness, which can be mitigated through counseling that normalizes mental health struggles as part of the human experience (Samantray, 2023).

Counseling therapy is not only pertinent to those facing acute mental health crises but is also beneficial for individuals seeking personal growth and emotional resilience. A substantial body of research emphasizes the importance of self-affirmation and contemplation practices in reducing psychological barriers to therapy (Lannin et al., 2019). These strategies promote self-acceptance and self-awareness, empowering individuals to confront and work through their emotional difficulties, thus enhancing their overall mental health trajectory.

As society increasingly acknowledges the implications of mental health on daily functioning, attending counseling therapy emerges as an essential step towards balanced living. The long-term benefits of regular engagement with a counselor extend beyond individual well-being to encompass enhanced community well-being, as individuals equipped with coping mechanisms can contribute positively to their families and social networks (Rahimi et al., 2023). This ripple effect underscores the collective impact of personal mental health treatment on societal health.

In summary, the need for counseling therapy is underscored by its multifaceted benefits ranging from immediate mental health support to long-term strategies for emotional resilience and personal growth. The integration of various therapeutic approaches, facilitated through counseling, ensures that treatment is tailored to meet the needs of diverse individuals, particularly those facing systemic disparities in healthcare access. As individuals overcome barriers to seeking help, counseling therapy stands as a beacon of hope for improved mental health outcomes and overall life satisfaction.

Arya, N. (2023). Online psychotherapy: a pandemic dilemma. Journal of Psychological Research, 5(2), 12-19. https://doi.org/10.30564/jpr.v5i2.5697

Berry, K., Raphael, J., Haddock, G., Bucci, S., Price, O., Lovell, K., … & Edge, D. (2022). Exploring how to improve access to psychological therapies on acute mental health wards from the perspectives of patients, families and mental health staff: qualitative study. Bjpsych Open, 8(4). https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2022.513

Browne, G. and Hurley, J. (2017). Mental health nurses as therapists in a rehabilitation setting: a phenomenological study. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 27(3), 1109-1117. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12423

Giebel, C., Corcoran, R., Goodall, M., Campbell, N., Gabbay, M., Daras, K., … & Kullu, C. (2020). Do people living in disadvantaged circumstances receive different mental health treatments than those from less disadvantaged backgrounds?. BMC Public Health, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-08820-4

Lannin, D., Ludwikowski, W., Vogel, D., Seidman, A., & Anello, K. (2019). Reducing psychological barriers to therapy via contemplation and self-affirmation.. Stigma and Health, 4(3), 247-255. https://doi.org/10.1037/sah0000139

Makanjuola, A., Granger, R., Pisavadia, K., & Edwards, R. (2023). Is lifestyle coaching a potential cost-effective intervention to address the backlog for mental health counselling? a rapid review.. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.01.20.23284835

Rahimi, B., Tavana, S., Heydari, M., Ghasemkheily, F., & Kouchaksaraei, G. (2023). Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy on mental health and suicidal thoughts in students. hn, 1(4), 107-114. https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.hn.1.4.13

Samantray, S. (2023). Efficacy of digital cognitive behavior therapy intervention on adults enrolled in mental wellness care program on mfine application. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 18(3), 1159-1169. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2023.18.3.1179

Wasmuth, S., Horsford, C., Mahaffey, L., & Lysaker, P. (2022). “metacognitive reflection and insight therapy” (merit) for the occupational therapy practitioner. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 90(4), 333-343. https://doi.org/10.1177/00084174221142172