That’s a very interesting question and one that cannot possibly be answered by me, and certainly not in the space of this blog. As a therapist I know there are many reasons individuals come to counseling.
Sometimes outside professionals may make a recommendation, such as a school counselor, minister, lawyer, judge, or doctor. Recommendations from those individuals carry some weight as they bring theoretical knowledge and professional expertise with them. Others may recommend counseling because, as unbiased observers, they may witness the pain and struggle an individual is experiencing.
Events may be a catalyst to seek counseling. Such things as death, separation/divorce, job loss, and relocation may all trigger emotions that feel unmanageable. In these events one might seek help from a professional therapist.
At the end of the day, unless the individual has been professionally recommended to get services from a professional counselor, the best person to answer that first question is most likely the one asking it. Others will have their opinions, that may be valid, but if you are truly honest with yourself, you know whether or not you need to see a counselor.
How would one really know if they need a counselor? Well, look around at your life for a place to start. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Are you satisfied with how things are going in your life?
What do your relationships look like?
Do you have relationships? Are they supportive and fulfilling? Do you feel like an equal partner and participant in your relationships or are you powerless and without a voice?
How is your professional life?
Is it fulfilling? Is it helping you achieve your goals?
Do you have a balance between work, relationships and recreation?
Do you have a spiritual life? Are you running your life by your own ‘steam?’
Do you have a supportive ‘tribe’ that shares your values and ethics?
Does this tribe champion your success and support your growth?
Does it feel like there it something missing, but you can’t put your finger on it?
Are you angry, too angry, too often, over little things?
Do you want to be with others but push them away? Is it difficult to be yourself around others?
What are you afraid of?
Your ‘outside’ life reflects your ‘inner’ life. Your day-to-day life reflects what you think about yourself; what you believe you deserve, or not; what you believe you can do, or not. It reflects all the messages you received from birth, to now, that you have accepted as truth, whether they are or not.
So, in answer to this question, I truly don’t know if you need counseling or not. What I do emphatically know is that mental health, good mental health, is not a luxury or a privilege reserved for those with money or good insurance. Everyone deserves to feel good, about themselves, their future and the world. Everyone deserves to have a set of tools and skills to manage all the uncertainties of life. EVERYONE!
So, I don’t know if you need to go to counseling, but you do. If in doubt check it out. It is a sign of strength, not weakness to ask for help and let’s face it, we can all use a little help now and then.