The Unexpected Benefits of Counseling

You meet with a counselor because you want to feel better. And–with the right therapist and a willingness to trust the process–most of the time, you do. But, outside of improved mental health, are there other benefits to regular counseling sessions? Actually, yes: many of our clients tell us that some of the best outcomes of therapy were unexpected. 

If you are looking for ways to improve your health and grow as a person, therapy is a great path forward. Below, we’ve outlined the common and unexpected benefits our clients gain from counseling.

Stronger Problem-Solving Skills

The ability to solve problems in effective and healthy ways can make all the difference in your personal and professional life. Without problem-solving skills, it’s difficult to overcome challenges, achieve goals, and adapt to change. 

Thankfully, problem-solving is a skill that can be developed at any phase of life. And, it’s an area of growth that gets a lot of attention during counseling sessions at NPS.

In general, the goal of therapy is to help you cope with adversity. Our counselors will help you break down complex challenges into smaller, more manageable hurdles. We use therapy to empower our clients to build their resilience, overcome adversity, and take control of their circumstances. 

Our center is a safe space to identify challenges and talk through solutions. As we solve today’s problems together, we also help you build the skills and confidence you’ll need when problems arise in the future. 

Improved Physical Health

There is an undeniable link between mental and physical well-being. So much so that physical health challenges can drastically increase the risk of mental health challenges, and vice versa. Naturally, this also means that taking back control of your mental health via counseling can have positive physical outcomes as well.

Specifically, counseling is proven to improve physical health in these areas:

Stronger Immune Systems
Chronic stress often leads to weaker immune responses due to the release of stress hormones like cortisol. These hormones suppress the production of white blood cells and make our bodies more susceptible to illness and infection. 

Because counseling is designed to help you manage your stress, it also has the added benefit of boosting the immune system. At NPS, we can teach you various stress-reducing techniques, like mindfulness, gratitude journaling, and even meditation. This will help you better regulate your body’s stress response and give your immune system the relief it needs.

Improved Motivation for Physical Activity

For sufferers of depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders, simply getting out of bed can feel like a chore. It’s no secret that happy and healthy people are more likely to be physically active. Trust our counselors to lend a hand in reducing your mental fatigue. You’ll feel more motivated and energized as a result.

Reduced Risk of Heart Disease

Many mental health disorders have physical side effects. For example, anxiety and panic disorders are often accompanied by chest pain. This is because poor mental health can increase your heart rate, cause irregular heartbeats, and elevate your blood pressure. Over time, these conditions can also increase your risk of heart disease.

Counseling will lower your anxiety and reduce the stress placed on your cardiovascular health. It can also motivate you to make lifestyle improvements like increased physical activity, which we’ve touched on. Overall, a healthier mind will result in a healthier heart.

Better Sleep

Good sleep patterns are proven to improve your heart health, weight management, immune system, and more. Bad sleep patterns, on the other hand, increase your risk of poor mental and physical health. Thankfully, counseling is a proven method for achieving better sleep. 

At NPS, we will work with you to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors. As a result, you’ll reduce your stress and establish healthier sleep patterns. 

When it comes to the unexpected benefits of counseling, improved physical health is at the very top of the list. Boosting your mental health functions will have a trickle-down effect on your physical health, which will in turn further improve your mental health. Over time, we believe counseling will contribute greatly to your overall health and happiness.  

Strengthened Communication Skills

When it comes to both your personal and professional life, there is no overstating the importance of strong communication skills. If this is an area in which you are lacking, counseling can help you take a step forward. After all, counseling is only effective when the lines of communication between client and counselor are clear and open.

At NPS, we specialize in helping our clients process the various emotions, memories, and experiences they encounter. Sometimes those feelings are positive and sometimes they are not. Either way, it’s important to process and communicate throughout the journey. 

Whether you turn to individual counseling, couples counseling, or family/group counseling, our team will provide you with a safe space to talk about your thoughts and experiences. We’ll also equip you with the tools and resources you need to build upon your communication skills. From active listening to self-awareness and assertiveness, the opportunities for growth are boundless. 

Better Empathy for Others

Many people underestimate the effect empathy has on their mental health. The truth is, the more empathetic you are, the better you can relate to those around you, and the easier it is for you to find meaningful connections. Thankfully, empathy is a skill that can be learned and built upon. 

At NPS, we will help you establish better emotional and cognitive empathy. As a result, you will be better prepared to function in society and create stronger and more satisfying relationships. Come to our center if you’re ready to cultivate your curiosity, step out of your comfort zone, and learn to see from the perspective of others. 

Find Out for Yourself: Schedule a Meet & Greet Today

You can’t know what unexpected benefits you will receive from counseling until you have tried it. If you are ready to get started, our team is ready to meet you and get you started on the right path. 

The first step is finding the best counselor for your needs. To do that, we recommend scheduling a free 15-minute meet and greet with a member of our team. Give us a call at (815) 477-4727 to schedule your appointment.