For me, counseling is single-handedly the greatest and hardest self inflicted experience I have ever partaken in. And it helped me save my life.

Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way I do about it. There are myths and stigmas and discouraging tales. But here are some of my thoughts about why counseling is important.

I'll give it to you straight:

Your counselor will know you better than your significant other. That being said, know that finding the right counselor for you can be a bit like online dating. You can google search local practices and read up on your options, then you can call for a consultation, and then you sit with a stranger for an hour, hoping for a connection. Sometimes the counselor may not be the right fit for you, and sometimes you may not be the right fit for the counselor. The relationship is a two way street and requires a lot of blind faith in the person sitting across the room. If you find yourself speed-dating counselors, do not get discouraged! It may take many tries to find The One. And sometimes, after being with one for awhile, it is okay to take a break and see other people, too.

Counseling is not easy. If it is, you are doing it wrong (or, probably not doing it at all). There is more to counseling than sitting on a couch and venting for an hour. Also: there is no written rule that you need to lay down and stare at the ceiling. Personally, I take off my shoes, sit criss-crossed and snuggle a pillow in my lap as I intermittently sip coffee. Each session there is something new and something old to discuss; sometimes you may cry, sometimes you may not. Some days you will leave feeling refreshed and light. Some days you will leave feeling worse than when you arrived.

But what makes counseling hard is the homework- the painful, shit-ton of homework. Homework is, simply yet not-so-simply, practicing what your counselor preaches. This can manifest as a workbook, a series of novels to read through, or attempting to live out the lessons you have learned each hour. Standing up for yourself, praying more, apologizing to those you have hurt, taking your medication. These are a handful of ways that your counseling extends into the "real" world once you leave the cozy confines that hold your secrets.

I have heard some say that they do not believe in counseling because licensed professionals do not care about others' problems, they care about the money. Let me tell you, unless you are world renowned, counseling is not a cushy, safety net job. So why go into a profession with no 100% guarantee of success? Because they want to help people help themselves. I am sure there are a few counselors out there who give the rest a bad name-- all rumors stem from some sort of truth. But, I know enough to statistically confirm that the majority are good at heart.

I am sorry I do not have facts and figures for you to prove just how worth it counseling can be. All I have to give you is my testimony and the proof that I am alive.

Reaching out to a licensed professional is not a sign of weakness. Walking into a room to intentionally be vulnerable with a stranger is badass. It is bravery and humility and strength.

I am not saying that counseling will solve all of your problems. But it is a beautiful step in the right direction.