Sundar J. Cook, Psy.D.

The counseling relationship is unlike any other social relationship. In everyday social conversations, you automatically edit and censor your thoughts. For example, you try to stay on topic, structure your ideas to make coherent sentences, and edit out viewpoints that could be embarrassing or offensive. In contrast, the safety and acceptance of a counseling relationship permits you to speak freely about whatever is on your mind. In other words, you are given the opportunity to be deeply and personally honest without fear of judgment, retaliation, or abandonment. When honesty is practiced, core problems and conflicts rise to the surface where they can be acknowledged, understood, and resolved.

Another difference between individual counseling and everyday social relationships is that in counseling you do not have to worry about or concern yourself with the counselor’s well-being. While most social interactions involve mutual self-disclosure and mutual caring for one another, in counseling the attention and care is given to you. It is not considered rude or self-centered when you talk about yourself and your problems the whole time. In fact, it is considered normal and appropriate to focus on yourself more than your counselor.

Individual counseling has the potential to improve many life problems such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Relationship problems
• Compulsive behaviors
• Pain of grief and loss
• Past and current trauma
• Low self-esteem
• Excessive stress
• Parenting problems
• Chronic or life threatening illnesses

Counseling is designed to help you develop the following:

• New attitudes about yourself and others.
• Improved self-esteem.
• Relief from painful feelings.
• Strategies for self-reflection.
• New ways of being in relationship to others.
• Overall life balance.
• Fulfilled self-potential.

The number one reason that psychological and emotional problems do not go away is because it is difficult to reach out for support and to accept help. Call Dr. Cook today and begin your journey to hope, healing, and transformation.