Counseling in Chaos or Calm

We often seek out counseling in a time of crisis, when what used to work no longer does, or when the questions facing us become bigger than what the old answers can satisfy.

It can be extremely beneficial to find a counselor with whom to reflect on what’s happening in life.  When met with awareness and intention, crises and challenges can serve to jumpstart us in our lives, or maybe even send us off in a new, more appropriate direction.

However, counseling offers gifts beyond helping us navigate a particular crisis or getting through a rough spot.

In my own experience, when a devastating period of “life upheaval” finally began to calm, I realized I had a wonderful opportunity to go deeper into what had recently been opened up. With my attention no longer diverted to the immediacy of the crisis, and my energy no longer going towards putting out fires, I discovered the possibility of something new: a chance to peel back some layers to find out what may have led me to this place, and a glimpse at the empowering possibility of adjusting my future trajectory.

It’s good to remember that counseling provides space to be mirrored and heard, not only when our lives are falling apart, but also when we know we would benefit from reflection and from digging deeper from a calmer place. If we so choose, our work is to make conscious choices regarding where we find ourselves and what we want next in our experience.