For the past four months, I've experienced the wonders of counseling. I've learned many important lessons each week that have enabled me to live a more fulfilling life.

1. There is no easy fix.

It's not like a regular physical illness where the doctor tells you what is wrong and how to fix it. It takes time to come to find a solution, and not everything has an easy fix that will make everything better.

2. A good connection must be made between counselor and patient.

If you are not comfortable enough to talk about your problems with the counselor, what is the point in going? Yes, trust may be a complex issue that takes years to develop, but the whole reason someone goes to counseling is so they can lay out their problems to someone else and try to develop the skills to cope and fix the struggles that they face. If a patient does not feel right with their counselor, they need to try with someone else.

3. Counseling can be emotional.

I didn't think that I would get to the point of almost crying in my counselor's office, but I've had those emotions come up. It's important to be prepared for them.

4. Sometimes, counseling is enjoyable.

I look forward to seeing my counselor each week. I find delight in being able to talk about the issues in my life and in my head with someone I know will not judge me but instead be supportive and open.

5. It doesn't mean you are crazy if you go.

I felt awkward going to counseling originally because I thought people would judge me and think I was insane. It's not the truth though. I've realized that if anyone criticizes me for it then they need to be removed from my life.

6. Counseling saved my life.

I didn't think it would have such a powerful affect over me, but I know that if I didn't sit in that office each week, I would be constantly on the edge, debating my life. Talking problems through has saved me.

7. My counselor is better with making connections about my life than I am.

I thought I understood myself pretty well, but my counselor brings in a new perspective that enables me to make connections between my problems with greater ease.

8. I find comfort in having terms.

Before counseling, I never had a term to describe my problems. I received a diagnostic though, which enabled me to have something to identify with. The real struggle is not letting it define my own image of myself.

9. I'm not as crazy as I thought I was.

I've learned to not compare my problems to anyone else's, but it's comforting to think that maybe I'm not a complete mess. It's nice to know that someone thinks that I can heal after everything that has occurred.

10. I am strong.

It takes a great amount of strength to admit that I might not completely be okay. I take pride in the fact that I was able to do so.

11. Happiness is an option.

With a great deal of work, I will eventually reach happiness again. It is the silver lining that I must look towards during my darkest days. I know that I am doing all that I can, and that is what is important.

Counseling is a gift that I am thankful for every day, because I have no idea where I would be today without it. It is a positive light in my life that will help lead me through my darkest hours.