Important things I've learned from counseling
Start writing a post
Entertainment

8 Things That I've Learned After 5 Months Of Counseling

I was giving so many people emotional labor who weren't giving me the same space. I have learned to focus on the people who really care about me and want to know about my life.

Nandi Smith
Apr 08, 2019
North Carolina State University
2868
Nandi Smith
Nandi Smith

I have just finished counseling with my amazing counselor and for the past eight sessions, my counselor has taught me so many things that I want to share with you all.

1. Reflecting on the past is really important

I think a popular life lesson is to focus on the present or the future, but during counseling, I had to really think about my past and how it has shaped me into who I am. It is important to be present and think about your futures, but your past is still important. Just maybe don't dwell on it too much.

2. Respecting yourself can be difficult

For me at least. My counselor helped me realize that I was worth a lot more than I was receiving.

3. Some friends are great friends, some friends are good friends, some friends aren't really worth your time

I was giving so many people emotional labor who weren't giving me the same space. I have learned to focus on the people who really care about me and want to know about my life.

4. If you're not clicking with your counselor, don't give up and even try finding a new one

My freshmen year I went to counseling and I liked my counselor, but they weren't the right fit for me so I only went to them twice. Having a counselor you really like is important because it's so much easier to tell them things you might not be willing to otherwise.

5. If your counselor suggests group counseling, DO IT!

I was so apprehensive at first, but group counseling has honestly changed my life! I think I will continue doing it for as long as I can because you learn so much about yourself and how you interact with other people.

6. It's OK to not feel OK 100% of the time

My counselor helped pull me back to earth during some of my sadder times of the year. She helped me realize that just because I was sad for a while didn't mean I was a sad person, it was just a rough patch. Being sad is a part of life.

7. Practicing healthy habits is really addicting

Once you start doing good things for yourself, you won't want to stop. It made me so happy to go into counseling and tell my counselor my progress.

8. Counseling is a really good way to track your progress

On my last counseling session, my counselor and I went over the goals I had for counseling and I realized that I had achieved them! It was honestly such a positive feeling, but also bittersweet because I have really gotten super close with my counselor.

I am so happy that I went to counseling and I encourage you to do so. Counseling doesn't have to be something you go to when you're in dire need, you can go for whatever reason and whatever reason you're going is important, so don't minimize that!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
14174
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
291541
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
89101
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
151598
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
59151
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments