Chances are, if you’re not in therapy, someone you know is. A recent survey, commissioned by Psychology Today, found that 27% of Americans (approximately 59 million people) made use of psychological services within the two years prior to the survey. Of those who did seek counseling, an overwhelming majority of respondents (80%) reported that it was effective. Those are some pretty encouraging numbers!

People are making use of talk therapy like never before, as the stigma against seeing a counselor decreases and confidence in the effectiveness of counseling increases. 40% of adults believe that their parents would have benefited from counseling. Reasons for seeking counseling can include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Marital and relationship issues
• Grief
• Trauma and post-traumatic stress
• Work-related issues
• Addiction
• Personality disorders
• Family and parenting issues
• Behavior modification, such as quitting smoking
• Eating disorders

According to the Psychology Today study, there were certain key factors that people considered when choosing a therapist for their presenting problem. They include:

• cost, out of pocket
• insurance coverage
• location (close to work or home)
• referral from a physician

However, it is interesting to note that survey participants identified very different criteria as being necessary to having a successful therapy experience. These include:

• therapist’s listening skills
• therapist’s personality
• personal connection with therapist
• therapist being active in session

Now that you know that therapy has proven so effective, perhaps you are ready to give it a try. If so, I encourage you to take the time to find the therapist who is right for you. After all, therapy is an important investment of time and money into your personal well-being. If you would like to speak to an experienced, licensed mental health counselor in Orlando, please contact Life Enhancement Counseling Services today at 407-443-8862 to make an appointment.