The idea that we may need help and emotional support is almost taboo. It can be difficult to admit to those close to us that we are struggling with our mental health. It can be even more difficult to look for help outside of our circle, when no one in our circle is talking about well-being. I myself struggled a great deal with learning to regulate my emotions and my body. I needed outside help from a counselor to find the validation I needed. 

Seeking counseling can be a challenging process for many individuals. Understanding these challenges can be helpful in overcoming them and achieving positive mental health and well-being. Here are some common challenges that we often face when seeking counseling:

1. Denial: We may not even know or want to admit that counseling could be beneficial. It is common to need help from a professional for ailments that seem out of our control. We would not depend on handling a broken bone by ourselves, we do not have to handle our mental health by ourselves either. 
2. Social and religious stigma: Admitting that we have a problem might be seen as admitting a weakness. The idea of being judged, shamed, or stigmatized can be overwhelming. Counseling is confidential and a judgement free zone.  
3. Fear: Counseling is probably a new territory for you, and feelings of trepidation are natural. The thought of sitting on a couch and opening up about everything to a stranger is scary! The counselor is there to help you feel at ease and take things at a pace you are comfortable with, providing you with understanding and safety. 
4. Cost: The cost of counseling can be a significant barrier for many individuals, especially those without insurance or with limited financial resources. Many counselors, myself included, want to make sessions as affordable as possible for you.
5. Multicultural competence: You may be concerned that your counselor will not understand your culture or where you come from. This is a valid concern that your counselor should be more than willing to discuss with you. 
6. Agenda related issues: You may have tried therapy before only to find that the counselor pushed their own ideas on you. Counselors should meet you where you are at, individualize sessions to met your needs, and check in with your comfort level. 
7. Crisis: If you are in crisis it is important that you reach out immediately to a crisis resource like the text line 988. An appointment can be scheduled to meet your long-term needs but your immediate safety is of utmost importance. Counseling can help you learn to deal with intense feelings and crises and connect you to crisis resources. Once you are in on-going counseling sessions, your counselor can help you manage and get through crisis situations, again if you have not established care with a counselor and are in crisis please reach out immediately to a crisis line like 988. 

Reaching out for help can be a lot. I did not seek help the first time I needed it. Then, the help I was given came with a negative connotation that I could not handle so did not continue. My own path to mental well-being and regulation was not quick. I understand it can be a struggle to even know you can get help for your difficulties, let alone follow through with that thought. Maybe this is the first time you considered reaching out, maybe it is the tenth, either way it is courageous. When you are ready, I look forward to working with you to overcome your challenges.