What should be the expectations from a counselor ?

Hi Mikelo and welcome! ;)

This is a very good question...and one that I think a lot of people may have questions about, so it is good that you asked.

Quite simply, you should expect to be helped by your therapist in the way that suits YOU!

For some people, that is simply what is sounds like you have been doing...by talk therapy. This is a basically what it sounds like, and mostly involves talking through one's feelings, experiences, perceptions, reactions, ect...

While this is very important, most people have really good results taking the next step, which is known as CBT.

This cognitive behavioral therapy teaches one to change the negative/fearful thinking patterns, and to find ways of using postive rational thought to relieve the worries that cause and perpetuate anxiety.

Asking your current therapist if this is something he/she can take you through is worthwhile. If they can't, then you may want to look into finding another professional who can.

I personally found so much benefit with CBT. There is certainly still the talking aspect...but the empowerment of learning tools and strategies to manage my anxiety was key for me.

Keep talking with us if you find it helpful. We are here to listen and encourage anytime.:)

Scaredy Cat

Hi
Welcome to the forum good to meet you.
SC has given some great support and I agree with what she said so just wanted to pop in and say hi. Stay with us and keep posting we are here to support you.
Hibee

Thanks a lot for the replies.

@SC These are very useful information, I just started reading about CBT and it seems like an interesting thing to learn about and a good thing to try.
@ Happy Turtle: The counselor I'm seeing has MSW ( Masters in social work ). She always tries to get to the cause of my anxiety and fear and she tried helping me with techniques like breathing and mindfulness, but these techniques effect is just Momentary for me doesn't change the reality.

To be honest I don't know exactly what I want the counselor to do, but for me the story is simple.
I've a traumatized brain from bad family past that resulted in very low self-esteem and very strong self-doubt that immensely affects my ability to talk, socialize or make relationships with others specially that I live now in the US and moved from a very different culture.

So what I want from the counselor is to help me with advice and strategies to face my fears and remove them by telling me actual things to do to overcome and disprove those fears and not just listen to me venting. I'm always afraid to ask that because I don't know what I should expect and whether I would be asking too much.

@Steve: the counselor I'm seeing has a Masters in Social work (MSW) but not a full psychologist.

Again, thanks everyone for replying and trying to help and welcoming me :)

Hey M.,
I am sorry to hear of your difficult past, and subsequent challenges. However, I commend you for making a bold move, and finding help through counseling for the issues that trouble you!!
Until you can talk to your counselor about possible CBT work...

This link is our entire Resource section. It is full of self help ideas that are very effective if practiced regularly.

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

Hi
Sorry to hear of your difficult past but well done for making the steps towards recovery by looking into therapy.

CBT is a really good therapy and has worked for a lot of people and helped them control their anxiety to a more manageable level. From what you have said in your post I would suggest Cognitive Analytical Therapy (CAT) which I feel would be more suitable for you as it is a therapy which goes back to your childhood experiences and helps you come to terms with them and move on. I have done CAT and it was the best therapy I have done it lasts a lot longer than CBT I had 18 sessions. The CAT is just a suggestion that you may want to look into.
Hibee