Family Counseling Specialist Q&A

Counseling is a treatment approach for psychiatric concerns that use discussion to help guide patients through their troubles. For example, in children and family counseling, services are provided to the family as a group and may include one-on-one sessions with the individual family members. This kind of counseling addresses the dynamic relationships in the family and the communication between the members.

Families may turn to counsel for numerous reasons, including frequent fighting, coping with chronic illnesses in children, substance abuse, and more. Here, the family will learn healthy communication tools and self-management of emotions. In addition, these sessions will act as a moderated safe space so all family members can express their feelings and thoughts without fear of emotional fallout from the other parties. Further, guided exercises will be implemented that allow the family members to empathize and bond with one another.

There are many different counseling and therapy services to cover all your needs. First, counseling may be individual, for couples, or whole families. These services can also be specified by age, as children, teens, adults, and older persons all require specific therapies that address developmental milestones in the life span.

Finally, counselors and therapists may focus on particular illnesses, such as mood disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, addictions, chronic pain, etc. In all of these cases, counseling may be offered one-on-one in an office or in a group, where peers can share their experiences and gain support.

The general purpose of counseling services is to promote and optimize the health and well-being of patients by providing psychiatric education and an opportunity to develop an emotional “toolbox,” a set of learned skills that allows you to cope and exceed life’s struggles.

Counseling services can be used for those dealing with mental illnesses, eating disorders, addictions, and those experiencing temporary challenging periods in their life.

Upon your first meeting with a counselor, a general background is given by the client, and their reasons for seeking counseling will be explained. Your counselor will learn about your significant relationships and chief concerns. Suppose you have had a previous diagnosis or are on medications to treat psychiatric problems. In that case, your counselor will likely want to establish a timeline of your health care and determine if current treatments are working.

Clients may find the first appointment daunting and exhausting, though this opportunity allows you to connect with your counselor and decide whether you’re comfortable in their care. Various techniques and tools are used in counseling to unpack your concerns, understand their root, and cope effectively. Communication skills, emotional awareness, and reaction control will be taught, along with many other skills that can be used daily.

Your counselor may work with other specialists if you need help with a particular issue and can refer you to numerous social services such as shelters, food banks, and employment guidance. In counseling, clients are often provided with “homework,” which should be tried to ensure optimal results in their life and relationships. This homework may be anything from breathing exercises to communication exercises.

Counseling is provided by a certified counselor and may be delivered one-on-one or in a group. Best Fit Counselling and Psychiatry does offer in-person counseling; however, approximately 85% of our patients prefer to utilize our telehealth options. Online counseling sessions provide many benefits to our clients, as it is much more accessible and affordable. Clients may find that being in the comfort of their own home helps to keep relaxed and comfortable. Further, it is much easier to schedule these sessions, as you do not have to account for travel time.

Best Fit Counselling and Psychiatry is committed to providing quality mental health care at affordable prices. Our center will work to find a counselor that you and your family feel comfortable with and will collaborate with other specialists to ensure optimal care for all of your specific needs. We are eager to hear from you and help you and your family get through the rough times. So please, give our office a call or book an appointment online to be seen as soon as possible. We serve patients anywhere in Michigan. Licensed in Ann Arbor MI, Pittsfield Charter TWP MI, Ypsilanti MI, Saline MI, Dexter MI, Scio TWP MI and surrounding areas.