Author: In Balance Counseling

benefits of counseling

9 Long-Term and Rewarding Benefits of Counseling

Written by In Balance Counseling on . Posted in Individual Counseling.

The proven benefits of counseling are well worth exploring, especially since life throws us curve balls from time to time. Relationship breakdowns, Social Security dependence, work-related stress, battles against substance abuse, and serious medical diagnoses are just some of the upsetting situations people may have to face. Counseling offers a way to navigate these difficulties in healthy ways so that you can keep moving forward.

As one of Tucson’s counseling service providers, we have seen countless benefits for individuals and families who go through counseling sessions. Are you unsure about signing up? Here are nine benefits to consider.

1. Enhanced Insight

Counseling sessions facilitate self-introspection. You learn more about yourself, including how actions and inactions contribute to your current mental state. Self-awareness is important, as it can hasten recovery from mental health challenges and other issues.

2. Conflict Resolution

Unsurprisingly, a trusted counselor can help you respectfully and positively resolve conflicts in your professional and personal relationships. Continuous feedback and discussion of this type may also significantly improve your interpersonal skills.

3. Space to Vent

In the counseling space, there is no room for judgment, ridicule, or shame. Counseling represents an invitation to share in a safe, non-judgmental environment. A good counselor will validate your emotions and help you feel more normal.

4. Assistance Against Self-Defeating Habits

Whether we knowingly or unknowingly develop bad habits, they contribute to our life problems without an objective counselor to bring them to light. People also become more aware of their negative emotions and thoughts during these sessions, the first step in avoiding self-defeat.

5. Improved Self-Esteem

Most people will experience self-esteem issues at some point, whether due to lacking skills,  abilities, or even appearance. One of the main benefits of counseling is that these discussions help individuals develop a stronger sense of self-compassion, self-confidence, and self-love.

6. Break Free From Harmful Vices

Are you struggling with mental health problems, anxiety, or daily stress? Counseling can help you reduce or, over time, completely avoid hiding behind drug use, alcohol, and other harmful pastimes when life gets tough.

7. More Effective Communication

When trying to face fears and anxieties, speaking to an expert can be invaluable. The counseling process can enhance your communication and social skills, providing tools to talk through problems and think more clearly about solutions. These sessions should also improve your questioning, listening, and understanding capabilities, making you a better communicator.

8. More Assured Decision Making 

Counseling can help you stay grounded when you have to make highly sensitive decisions. It can also help improve impulsive decision-making over time.

9. Better Stress Management

We all understand the huge impact of stress on physical and mental health. Managing stress levels effectively through counseling can give people a new lease on life.

Schedule That Counseling Session Today!

Counseling has a wide range of private and public benefits. You may even be doing yourself a disservice by shying away from a session due to common counseling myths or other reasons.

Don’t miss out on the many benefits of counseling programs—call In Balance Counseling at (520) 722-9631 today for sessions in Tucson, AZ, and the surrounding communities.

stages of recovery from addiction

Five Stages of Recovery From Addiction

Written by In Balance Counseling on . Posted in Intensive Outpatient Program.

When you prepare to recover from your addiction, you benefit from understanding the stages of recovery. When you can identify your progress, you’ll better understand what you need to maintain sobriety in moments of struggle. At In Balance Counseling, our counseling service in Tucson help people overcome their addictions and live healthier lives. 

Below, we outline the five stages of recovery from addiction. Remember that the recovery process is not linear. Call us at (520) 722-9631 for substance abuse counseling options.

Stage 1: Acknowledgement

When you first begin moving away from addictive substances, you acknowledge that you have an addiction. This step is crucial in dispelling common misconceptions on addiction, such as the belief that one can control their substance abuse without help. Before this acknowledgment, you may have dodged the problem by rationalizing your addiction.

Eventually, you realize that the substances control you. You need the substances to function. At least a few parts of your routine revolve around acquiring and using the substances. 

Stage 2: Action

Stage two includes making conscious decisions to move away from your addiction. During this stage, you might express desires in private or to others about wanting to let go of substances. You may also begin cutting back on the substances you use. 

However, acting alone can have dangerous consequences. Use caution when cutting substances out of your life. You may need help from a treatment center to go through withdrawal safely. 

Stage 3: Recuperation

Recuperation occurs immediately after withdrawal. Out of all the stages of recovery from addiction, many recovering addicts identify this stage as the most difficult. It involves learning how to live day to day without the assistance of addictive substances. 

You will experience psychological and physiological changes during this period. Addiction counseling can help you manage daily stress, past trauma, and other factors contributing to your desire to use. In addition, you can learn skills and coping mechanisms to push past substance cravings. 

Stage 4: Recovery

Once your body and mind adapt to a life free from substances, you begin the recovery state. Recovery involves three phases:

  • Early recovery changes your thought patterns
  • Middle recovery improves your lifestyle
  • Late recovery identifies bad habits that lead to addiction

Each of these phases could last years. You could find yourself repeating different stages or phases, especially if you relapse. However, everyone’s recovery looks different. 

Stage 5: Preservation

Also called the maintenance stage, preservation occurs when you find comfort and stability in your newfound life. It takes time to get here. You may make mistakes during the other stages of recovery from addiction. 

However, persistence and belief in yourself can help you find substance-free life. During this last stage, you will flourish. 

Find Your New Balance with In Balance Counseling

If you struggle with addiction, you can find hope for a full and continued recovery. The compassion and empathy we provide at In Balance Counseling provide the gentle guidance you need.

Call us to enter the ‘action’ stage today at (520) 722-9631 and learn more ways to recover, like exercise for addiction recovery. 

therapy for anxiety

When Should You Get Therapy for Anxiety: Six Signs

Written by In Balance Counseling on . Posted in Individual Counseling.

We all have times when we feel overwhelmed, nervous, apprehensive, or exhausted. Sometimes our work or home life can get stressful and make it hard to get through the day. However, some people struggle with a generalized anxiety disorder that makes them worried or fearful for no direct reason.

Severe anxiety disorders can even manifest in physical symptoms that can be unnerving if you don’t know what’s happening to you. This blog discusses the signs that you may need therapy for anxiety. At In Balance Counseling, we provide comprehensive cognitive-behavioral therapy for people with all types of anxiety disorders. 

If you suspect you have an anxiety disorder, contact our Tucson counseling service office to discuss your treatment options by calling (520) 722-9631.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

The mental health community recognizes many forms of anxiety. Knowing someone with an anxiety problem with different symptoms than you does not make your problem any less real. Some of the most common types of anxiety disorders are:

  • Social anxiety disorder: A fear, paranoia, or panic experienced when someone attends social functions or events with many people
  • Separation anxiety: A condition that causes a child to panic or become fearful while their parents are absent
  • Panic disorder: A condition that causes frequent panic attacks that include physical symptoms
  • Agoraphobia: This condition makes sufferers uneasy in open spaces or crowds and can even render them unable to leave their homes
  • Substance-induced anxiety: People with substance abuse problems, prescription medication side effects, or sensitivity to caffeine can experience anxiety attacks

Signs You May Need Therapy for Anxiety

Below are six signs that you should consider starting therapy for anxiety.

1. Lacking Emotional Control

It’s normal to feel sad when the anniversary of a loved one’s death comes around or you miss your family during the holidays. However, you may need therapy for anxiety if you find yourself getting unreasonably sad or angry without a clear cause.

2. Your Relationships Are Suffering

People with anxiety disorders can withdraw from friends and family or lean on them too much for support. It can put a strain on your friendships and romantic relationships.

3. You’re Always Overwhelmed

Life can get stressful, but if you constantly feel like you can’t keep up, there may be more to the issue.

4. Stress Is Affecting Your Physical Health

Chronic anxiety and stress can cause physical issues like:

  • Chest pains
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Trembling
  • Hyperventilating
  • Light sensitivity

If stress causes any of these in you, it’s time to consider therapy.

5. Forming Bad Habits

Using sex, alcohol, or drugs to cope with emotional or mental issues is a temporary solution that will only exacerbate things.

6. Old Hobbies and Activities Have Lost Their Appeal

People with anxiety disorders often feel detached from the real world and no longer have the drive for things that once pleased them.

Call In Balance Counseling

If you think you need therapy for anxiety, In Balance Counseling is here to help. Consult our dedicated mental health professionals if you live in the Tuscon, AZ, area. Why is cognitive behavioral therapy effective? Learn more by calling us at 520-722-9631.