TECHNIQUES, POTENCY, AND IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
Mental health is critical to leading a balanced lifestyle. Emotional, social, and psychological aspects all have an impact on how we think, act, and feel. Mental health also influences how we make decisions, interact with others, and deal with stress. The quality of our mental health determines how we deal with the majority of our emotions, both positive and negative. It’s something that matters from childhood to adulthood.
Mental health counselling provides a safe environment in which you may express your feelings and thoughts without fear of being criticised. People are often afraid of being judged if they seek help when needed because of the stigma connected with mental health counselling—but this should not deter anyone from seeking treatment. Because there are various elements that contribute to mental health difficulties, people seek mental health counselling for a variety of reasons. It is critical to get assistance since it will improve your quality of life.
Family genetics, biological characteristics, and life events have all been related to mental health difficulties. Mental illness has no boundaries. Mental health issues affect people of all ages and types; they can affect anyone. Seeking mental health treatment has a lot of other advantages in addition to improved mental health. It benefits your physical health by boosting your immune system, regulating your sleeping patterns, and reducing discomfort levels.
A formal engagement between a client and a mental health provider is known as mental health counselling. It’s frequently called clinical mental health counselling, not because it’s cold and detached, but because it’s based on strong research and employs proven approaches.
Counselling is a multi-session process in which a mental health counsellor and a client collaborate to explore problems and develop the skills and mindset required to overcome obstacles and live an emotionally healthy life. The length of counselling depends on the individual and the mental health disorder or distress they are experiencing.
Starting therapy is a significant, personal step toward prioritising mental health and enhancing general well-being. It can be difficult to decide which style of therapy is the best fit, whether you are exploring therapy for the first time or returning for help. At its most basic level, therapy provides a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere in which patients can recognise problems and set goals with the help of a therapist.
TECHNIQUES OF MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
A counsellor or therapist is a trained practitioner who specialises in the treatment of mental health issues below are a few techniques that have been notably used by counsellors or therapists in relation to their clients
- PSYCHOANALYSIS AND PSYCHODYNAMIC THERAPIES
One of the oldest therapeutic modalities is psychoanalysis, which was established by Sigmund Freud. The primary focus of this technique is on identifying and analysing significant previous events or patterns that may be influencing a person’s current state.
Freud felt that childhood incidents, or hidden thoughts and feelings, were at the core of current pathological actions. Once the unconscious ideas and feelings have been discovered, the focus shifts to attempting to process them in order to change behaviour. Since Freud, there have been several improvements and advancements in psychoanalytical techniques.
While some patients may benefit from psychoanalysis because of the in-depth exploration, it can be a major time commitment for individuals.
- MENTALIZATION THERAPY
Mentalizing is the ability to discriminate between one’s own sentiments and the feelings of others. This method can also assist patients in comprehending the relationship between their emotions and their actions.
Mentalisation treatment is most typically used with individuals who have been diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder to improve interpersonal functioning and raise awareness of thoughts and feelings.
IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
Mental health issues are frequent, but assistance is accessible. Many people who are suffering from mental illnesses recover entirely and go on to enjoy happy and healthy lives after seeking care. People who seek mental health counselling frequently gain:
- Medical costs can be reduced with counselling
According to one study, psychological treatment in small groups for those with persistent physical illnesses reduced medical care expenses by $10 for every $1 spent. This demonstrates the substantial physical and financial benefits that counselling may provide.
- COUNSELING CAN BOTH EDUCATE AND TRAIN PEOPLE
The process of explaining mental health symptoms, diagnoses, services, and treatment alternatives are known as psychoeducation.
Many persons who seek counseling are aware that they are suffering but have little understanding of the underlying causes, specific ailments, or how various strategies can help them deal with their current issues.
Psychoeducation can assist in normalising disorders, reducing stigma, and improving treatment adherence. It’s a big part of a lot of trauma treatments. Psychoeducation was found to minimise rehospitalisation rates and the number of days a patient spent in the hospital among those diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Counselling employs a variety of strategies to teach and practice skills that provide both short- and long-term relief. Clients acquire broad skills such as self-awareness, active listening, and communication as well as particular mindfulness and behaviour change techniques.
Other benefits or importance of mental health counselling include:
- self-determination
- the removal of social stigma-induced demoralisation
- future mental health distress prevention
- Work on changing or eliminating detrimental behaviours.
- Develop interpersonal abilities.
- Make progress toward your personal objectives.
- Recognize triggers and learn how to deal with them effectively.
- Examine and heal from your past.
- Be able to control intense emotions.
- Rebuild relationships with family and friends or acknowledge when it’s time to let go of ties that are potentially harmful to your mental health
CONCLUSION
Individuals’ mental health, resilience, educational, and employment outcomes improve, while society benefits from increased economic and physical well-being and improved relationships.
Counselling for mental health issues can help people improve and save their lives. Counselling is a sign of bravery and fortitude because it is a critical step in reclaiming control of your mental health and establishing the happiness you live, a life worth living.
To speak with any of our counsellors at Light House Counselling, call or WhatsApp +2348055507808.
We provide 5 different types of Counseling ranging from Marriage and Family Counselling, Educational Counselling, Rehabilitation Counselling, Mental Health Counselling, and Substance Abuse Counselling.
We have professionals and we provide affordable services.