FAQ

Why do people go to counseling?

Many people come into counseling because they are in an emotional crisis.
Many times their family doctor suggests it or a family member, the school counselor or a co worker or a supervisor at work.
They have feelings that are so strong and overwhelming that it interferes with their ability to enjoy and function in daily life. Obvious examples are depression due to a death of a loved one, marital problems, problems at school or work, nightmares or compulsive behavior like binge eating, gambling, shop lifting, drinking too much or credit card spending sprees.
Or types of anxiety like anxiety attacks, panic attacks, nightmares, compulsive eating, drinking or drugging, fear of taking tests, fear of going to school, fear of fighting or arguments
Parents seek counseling when they realize that either their parenting style isn't working anymore or their child has gone into some kind of crisis at school or due to problems with friends or fighting in the family has gotten out of control.

I'm not in a crisis but I feel STUCK. I am so frustrated.

Yes! This is a very common reason why people seek counseling. They see that they keep making the same mistake and just can't stand it anymore! And they just can't seem to grasp how it starts and how to change the behavior. One of the goals of counseling is AWARENESS. The counselor is the observer, providing perspective until you get to a point where you can observe yourself more effectively.
You can't change a behavior unless you really understand exactly what it looks like, how it begins, feels like and ends. Then you need to have DESIRE to CHANGE which then gets the creative problem solving part of your brain going. Then you have to COMMIT to taking ACTION, again and again and again: Try, try and try again until you succeed!

I'm afraid the counselor will judge me and think I'm stupid.

Believe it or not, therapists are there to help you accept yourself. Therapists are trained to see all behavior as attempts to cope and thrive. No matter how ineffective it may be, an individual does something for a reason. Generally speaking people change from a place of self acceptance.