What is Counseling?

What resolutions have you thought about making this new year? The new year is a great time to take stock, reevaluate goals, and take positive action to resolve unsettled concerns or to work on improved wellbeing. It’s also a great time to begin counseling! Whether you’ve benefitted from counseling in the past or are considering it for the first time, the following information from the American Counseling Association (www.counseling.org) explains the basics of what counseling is. We hope you are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable resource.

Counseling is a positive and empowering process that helps people better understand themselves, tackle life’s challenges, and improve their overall wellbeing. Far from being only for times of crisis, counseling offers a collaborative space where people can explore their thoughts and feelings, grow in self-awareness, and make meaningful changes in their lives. The American Counseling Association defines counseling as “a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education and career goals.”

More About What Counseling Means
Counseling is a professional, trusting partnership between a client and counselor. It’s designed to help people improve their lives by helping them to navigate emotional and life challenges and pursue personal goals with clarity and confidence. Rather than giving advice, counselors work with clients to assist them in discovering their strengths and creating strategies that work for them in real life.

Who Are Professional Counselors?
Professional counselors are trained and licensed mental health practitioners who build supportive, safe relationships with their clients and use tools and approaches tailored to each person’s unique needs to help them gain personal insight, develop coping skills, and find solutions to obstacles they face in everyday life. This blend of skill and compassion makes counseling a powerful resource for anyone seeking guidance or growth.

Training and Professional Standards
To practice, professional counselors complete advanced education and training, typically earning a master’s degree or higher from accredited programs. They also obtain licenses that allow them to work with individuals, families, and groups across a variety of settings. This training ensures that counselors are equipped with the skills and knowledge to offer effective, high-quality care.

Why People Choose Counseling
Life is full of ups and downs, and sometimes we all need some support. People seek counseling not just when things feel difficult, but also when they want a fresh perspective, deeper self-understanding, or encouragement in reaching their goals. Whether someone is feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply curious about making positive changes, counseling can offer clarity and a sense of partnership throughout the journey.

Who Can Benefit
Counselors are trained to support individuals with a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns, including anxiety, depression, and other challenges. However, you don’t need a formal mental health diagnosis to benefit from counseling. Many people work with counselors just to enhance their overall wellbeing, develop healthy habits, or increase life satisfaction. The focus is on growth and empowerment, not just treating symptoms.

Support Across Life’s Challenges
Counselors help clients with many areas of life. For example, relationship issues, career and academic decisions, adapting to illness or recovery, and big life transitions are some of the challenges counselors assist clients to navigate. Their work is rooted in compassion and evidence-based practices that help clients make lasting progress.

Client-Centered Approach
A distinctive feature of counseling is its focus on the individual. Counselors take time to understand you as a whole person and create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and experiences. This approach helps clients feel seen, valued, and supported.

Wellness Focus
Counseling looks beyond symptoms to consider whole-person wellness: mental, emotional, physical, and even spiritual. Counselors help clients identify what’s holding them back and work with them to build practical skills that enhance life satisfaction and resilience.

Ethics and Inclusive Practice
Professional counselors are committed to ethical, culturally inclusive care. They respect each person’s background and experience, helping clients feel understood and respected. This ethical commitment is guided by professional codes that protect and empower everyone seeking counseling.

When to Start
There’s no one “right” time to begin counseling. Some people start when life feels especially hard, while others seek support during everyday stressors like job transitions, financial worries, or adjusting to life changes. Counseling can be a proactive step toward wellness, helping people stay emotionally balanced and resilient.

Where Counselors Practice
Counselors work in diverse environments such as private practice offices, schools, universities, government agencies, employee assistance programs, and rehabilitation centers, among others. This variety means that people can find support in settings that best match their needs and preferences.

 

Counseling offers a positive, empowering path to personal growth and wellbeing. Whether you’re facing specific challenges or simply want to thrive more fully in life, working with a professional counselor can help you build confidence, strengthen your resilience, and create lasting positive change.

To make an appointment with a professional counselor about any mental health concern, please contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000. We are located at 6819 167^th St. in Tinley Park, IL 60477, offering in-person and telehealth appointments. We are here to be of service to you.

Molly Vacha

Graduate Intern, 2026

Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc.

Reference:

American Counseling Association. What Is Counseling?
www.counseling.org