1. The counselors have unbiased opinions.

Odds are, they have never met people in your life. They won't try to be sympathetic of their feelings and make your feelings seem invalid.

2. They allow you to talk without waiting for their turn.

Many times while friends are trying to help us with our problems, they are waiting to get their opinion in. The professionals want you to get whatever you are feeling out, however long that might take.

3. They bring validity to what you are feeling.

My counselor told me, "Our emotions are not always logical." I was discussing the way I felt about something while knowing it was irrational or insensitive to feel that way. I finally felt entitled of my emotions, regardless of how irrational they may be.

4. It feels good to tell someone.

Keeping everything to yourself is not healthy. Although you may have people you tell everything to, counselors help you in a different way. They are professionals and know how to discuss things in a way that make the situation more comforting.

5. You cannot do it all on your own.

You wouldn't judge someone who just had surgery for going to physical therapy, because they can't fix their body on their own. If someone is suffering from depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses, do not judge them because they can't aide their mental illness on their own.

6. They care.

Sure, they are a stranger who doesn't know you. However, they went to college and dedicated their time and life to this profession. They want to help strangers because they genuinely care about the wellbeing of people.

7. They can give you answers.

They explain why you're feeling certain ways. They can help you take the steps you need to improve yourself.

8. Because who cares what anyone thinks?

If you have people in your life that are judging you for going to counseling, cut them out of your life. You do not need that type of negativity and bad stigmas associated with something used to help people.

Counseling has helped so many people, myself included, with things they could not have worked through themselves. We need to get rid of the negative connotation associated with counseling and support and encourage those to utilize it. I am so thankful my school offers it free for students, and I am so glad I received the help I needed.