​​Counseling is an excellent resource when dealing with situations such as trauma, a death in the family, or a significant depressive period. But counseling can provide much more beyond acute support through a difficult life event. It can serve all of us in many ways, regardless of circumstances. It’s important to know that you don’t need a crisis to see a counselor. 

At Ancora Wellness, we wholeheartedly believe that everyone can benefit from counseling and should have access to it if they want. You do not need a diagnosis or referral to see our integrative team here in Hillsboro, OR. To get more information or book an appointment, reach out today.

You Don’t Need a Crisis to See a Counselor and Get Help

As with all wellness support, preventive options are ideal. Naturopaths, therapists, and bodyworkers seek to help you avoid crises and problems in the first place whenever possible. It is almost always simpler to prevent than to “cure.”

Connecting with a mental health specialist when you are not in crisis can help ensure that when significant problems arise, you have the tools and support to help you get through them. Here are five reasons you don’t need a crisis to see a counselor.

1. Counseling Equips You With Tools for the Future 

Seeking or continuing therapy when your life is running smoothly is a great way to establish emotional resilience. When you feel mentally strong and confident, it’s easier to reflect on your life’s path, your strengths and growth opportunities, and personal goal setting. 

On the other hand, when you’re in crisis mode, you’re less likely to be able to think expansively about larger life goals or develop tools for the future.

For example, when you’re not in crisis mode, your counselor can offer breathing techniques for managing anxiety or help you find ways to handle interactions that trigger anger. You have the time and bandwidth to practice these skills without stress so that you are ready to use them when the need arises.

Working on your emotional landscape when you have more mental capacity makes you better equipped to manage crisis moments when they do come up in life. 

2. Sometimes, Small Things Aren’t Small

We often try to rationalize away our feelings. This habit can be especially present when we judge ourselves for having emotions that seem bigger than whatever caused them. And although we can convince ourselves that we’re removing these intense emotions, the truth is that those feelings don’t just disappear.

In fact, ignoring the small irritating things in your life that you’re tolerating only serves to make them bigger. Just ask the camel whose back broke from that proverbial last straw!

Counseling helps you identify seemingly minor disruptions in your life that could indicate a more significant issue.

For example, there could be aspects of negative self-talk or other behavioral patterns that indicate something bigger bubbling below the surface. Talking with a counselor about the “small things” can help you work through issues that are holding you back. 

Feeling dissatisfied at work may have roots in more powerful feelings of being undervalued. Frustration at not being heard in a relationship could indicate difficulty in standing up for yourself. When you have time and energy to notice these indicators in counseling, you can address them before they become bigger stumbling blocks to your mental health.

While the adage “don’t sweat the small stuff” contains a lot of truth, sometimes the small stuff isn’t all that small. 

3. Not Everyone Wants or Needs a Diagnosis

A mental health diagnosis isn’t something everyone qualifies for or even wants. But therapists or counselors who take insurance generally must identify a diagnosis for billing and reimbursement.

A diagnosis can be a useful starting point for many people, and there is no shame in receiving a diagnosis. But it’s not a universally helpful experience. Many people don’t receive the therapy or counseling they need because of this obstacle. 

You have the right to seek support with or without a formal diagnosis.

You don’t need a crisis to see a counselor and receive support. You don’t have to feel like something is “wrong.” Counseling is appropriate for anyone who wants it.

Navigating the diagnosis requirement is one of the main reasons we are cautious and intentional about the insurance we accept at Ancora Wellness. We seek to offer holistic, integrative mental and physical health care for everyone.

4. Counseling Gives You Perspective 

Working with a counselor gives you an outside view of the things you’re experiencing. And sometimes, this outside perspective is crucial to spotting patterns and behaviors we can’t see in ourselves.

Counseling during the calm parts of life can help you pinpoint habits you might need to change to enjoy your best mental and physical health. A good counselor will push back against thoughts and behaviors that don’t support your well-being so you can step into even greater wholeness. 

Like an athlete watching tape of their performance with a coach, meeting with a counselor gives you a perspective that you may not be able to see on your own. 

5. Building the Counselor/Client Relationship Takes Time

If you’ve ever shopped around for a therapist or counselor, you know the process takes time. You have to find someone who is accepting new clients. Then you need to schedule and attend your first session. If the connection with the counselor isn’t a perfect fit, you’re back to step one.

And once you’ve established care with a counselor, it could take a few sessions to feel comfortable and build rapport with them. This is much easier when you’re not in the middle of an active crisis or traumatic event. 

With this relationship in place, you will have much more success navigating a crisis if it happens. You will already have a safe space to get the help you need and deserve.

When you’re looking for a counselor, be sure to do a free consultation with them first. (If a therapist doesn’t offer that, it’s best to move along to someone else.) You should have the chance to ask questions and get a sense of their style and personality to find a good fit. At Ancora, we love these opportunities to connect with you. Reach out to schedule your consultation. 

Therapy Supports More Than Trauma

Just like you should see a dentist for regular cleanings and not only when a tooth breaks, it’s also wise to see a counselor for general mental wellness before a crisis hits. Even when you’re not dealing with something significant, counseling is supportive, appropriate, and beneficial. In fact, most therapists also see therapists for this exact reason!

Are you curious if counseling at Ancora Wellness is the right move for you? Our team of providers in Hillsboro, OR, offers virtual and in-person appointments, including our unique ReWild Adventure Therapy. Reach out today to learn more or book an appointment.