Paying For Counseling

By Dr. Suzanne LaCombe, May 8, 2006.

It's not easy.

I don't say it is easy to put out the kind of money that personal counseling requires. It's even harder for those who have issues around money (i.e. holding too tight or impulsively spending). In fact, after one hour with a counselor you might wonder just what you got for your money.

It's very difficult to measure one session - even three or four - against what you could buy with that same amount -- buy a new jacket, take your partner out for dinner, go on a weekend excursion etc. And for some folks the decision is paired against some serious practical necessities of living.

It's especially hard for those folks who don't see immediate changes.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not suggesting you create financial hardship for yourself. This would undoubtedly put your progress in therapy in jeopardy not to mention risking your basic financial needs needlessly.

However what I encourage you to do is to weigh the short term hardships against the long-term benefits with better connections with others, peace of mind and more meaning in your life. It's my opinion, like education, good counseling is an awesome deal!

Counseling for Anxiety and Depression

Paradoxically, those who suffer from anxiety or depression are more fortunate in this regard. They go to counseling seeking refuge and discover that counseling is more than just symptom relief. They recognize the value it offers and continue to use personal counseling as a means to reach higher goals.

I was one of those lucky folks and I'm grateful that even though there are times I might wonder why I am spending all this money on counseling (and everyone does at one time or another because your progress is not linear) I turn around and experience another shift.

What you need to keep in mind is that counseling is a process. You are building a relationship with your counselor. It is through your therapeutic relationship that deep psychological change happens.

As we have tried to emphasize on this web site, counseling isn't the same as consulting an accountant or a lawyer for advice. Counseling is about using the safety and comfort of the therapeutic relationship to remove the obstacles holding you back from achieving your potential.

Many people are cautious about going to counseling (or psychotherapy) until they develop an appreciation of the value that it offers. For these folks it may be difficult to make it a priority among other competing items in their budget. However, those who recognize its value are willing to make some tough decisions i.e. to live in a smaller place, to forego vacations away from home, or delay purchasing a home.

The money you spend on personal counseling is an investment in yourself. Like an education, it's difficult to put a monetary value on it over your lifetime.

Nonetheless, for those willing to make the commitment to their personal development, counseling can unquestionably have a substantial impact on your life.

Watch for specific information on this topic in future updates.

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