While you are responsible for making changes in your life, an effective counselor can help pinpoint the obstacles in your way. If you have control over these obstacles, a counselor can suggest behavioral changes to help you overcome them. If these obstacles involve factors outside of your control, your counselor can teach you coping mechanisms that will foster your well being in trying circumstances.

An effective counselor can identify negative thinking patterns that may be feeding feelings of sadness, depression or anxiety. By encouraging you to build upon personal strengths and suggesting skills that can overcome self-inflicted feelings of hopelessness, a counselor can help you develop a more positive attitude.

A good counselor can assist you in making positive changes in your relationships with others, helping you recognize behaviors that may be contributing to a troublesome relationship. Your counselor can teach you effective ways of communicating, clearing the way for honest exchanges with people in your life who may be causing you emotional pain.