What to Expect In Counseling

“So what do people actually do in therapy?” I look up from my drink as I see an acquaintance attempt to make typical small talk with me during a social function. I gave a half smile because I knew I was knowingly going to keep most of what I was thinking just to myself. I then replied “whatever the heck they want!” I laughed and continued, “that really didn’t answer your question, did it?” You, see after almost 15 years in the counseling room, I couldn’t come up with a more honest answer. Some days my heart is heavy at the end of the day; these are the days that we went to those deep places that we most of the time feel more comfortable leaving alone; these are the times we processed life’s most difficult moments. There are days that it feels like I help carry someone’s pain during the 50 minutes we spent together. Other days, “doing therapy” means I go home, music blasting and smiling at the joy it was to discuss life’s most meaningful moments; to see a client make progress and grow. As a counselor, you can’t ask for a more fulfilling moment.

The truth is, I could have answered by providing 15 years’ worth of stories of what people actually do, but really it is “whatever the heck they want.” Counseling provides the necessary space to find meaning, redefine values, determine what you want from life, and when life throws us a curveball to not go through it alone. It is up to the client to figure out what they want from the experience.

Written by Amy Rollo, M.A., LSSP, LPC-S

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Amy Rollo is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and owner of Heights Family Counseling. Amy has been practicing for fifteen years. She has doctoral level training in the areas of child and adolescent counseling, marriage and family therapy, and adult counseling. Amy Rollo provides counseling and evaluation services in the Houston Heights and surrounding areas. Amy’s goal in counseling is to journey with her clients in order to foster positive changes and growth in their lives. Read more about Amy's counseling style by visiting www.heightsfamilycounseling.com