A Counselor Answers Your Questions

By Thomas E. Nemerovsky, M.Ed., LPCC-S, LICDC-CS, ICCS

How can I tell if I might need to meet with a counselor?

Whether it’s alcohol and drugs or any other mental health issue, you might want to meet with a counselor if you feel these issues are negatively impacting you or those around you in any way. Completing an assessment with a licensed therapist can help identify whether this is an issue where counseling would be beneficial.

I do drink alcohol to relax, but I don’t miss work or anything, how can I tell if I drink too much?

When assessing alcohol-related issues it is important to look at its impact on all aspects of daily life including; relationships with friends and family, work or school, finances, legal, hobbies and interests, mental and emotional health, spiritual health.

I had a normal childhood and an average day-to-day life, how could I have trauma?

Trauma can be experienced in many ways and is dependent on the way an individual experiences an event. For example: moving to a new location may be traumatic for one individual but not for another. It would depend on a number of factors. Individuals can also experience what is referred to as Second Hand Trauma or trauma that is not experienced by an individual first hand but one they were exposed to in other ways.

I feel stressed and anxious a lot, what things should I try at home to help calm myself down?

Relaxation techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises are a good way to help relieve anxiety. It is important to remember that these are skills to be practiced and they should be incorporated into a regular routine. It is also good to reach out to your support such as family and friends to process stressors.

My problem is that I feel depressed and unmotivated, how would you help me with this?

It is important to identify the underlying causes. Is this situational depression or clinical depression? Those are the questions that would help me determine the best course of action. From there, we could develop a treatment plan that best suits your needs.

Do I have to hash out my childhood in therapy?

While it may be beneficial at times to review past experiences, it is not always necessary in addressing issues you’re are having in the present.

What should I expect in my first few therapy sessions?

The first session is focused primarily on an assessment to help the therapist get to know you and to better understand what issues and concerns you have. It is also an opportunity for you to get to know the therapist and to make sure they are a “good fit” for you.

How can I tell if I’m making progress in therapy?

For many individuals, progress can be gradual and, as a result, difficult for them to notice. I make it a point to highlight and review the progress that is made during the course of treatment.

My teenager is moody, sleeps a lot and always cops an attitude with me, is this just normal behavior?

That type of behavior can certainly be normal for a teenager depending on the extent to which it occurs and the impact it is having on daily life and functioning.

Is relapse really just a natural part of recovery? What do I do if I relapse?

While relapse is part of the disorder and can be a using learning tool IF it happens, it is important to understand that it is not a necessary of recovery. It is always good to review a relapse with someone who understands addiction and recovery to help identify triggers and to develop coping skills for those specific triggers.