Considering the Signs: When to Seek Therapy Support-counselling in Penticton, BC
- Melanie Jill Konynenberg
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Life in Penticton, BC offers beautiful landscapes and a close-knit community, but even in such a setting, challenges arise can that affect mental and emotional well-being. Knowing when to reach out for counselling can be difficult. Many people hesitate, unsure if their struggles are "serious" enough, or if counselling will even help. Sometimes there are questions and push-back from friends and family members. Clinical counselling support with a fitting licensed and professional practitioner can be helpful at any time, even when it doesn't necessarily feel like a crisis situation. For individuals who haven't reached out for support in the past, this post aims to pinpoint signs indicating that it is an appropriate to time seek professional support-and perhaps begin to reduce the stigma.
Understanding Counselling and Its Benefits
Counselling is a professional service that helps individuals explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors in a safe environment. It provides tools for managing stress, resolving conflict, and improving mental health. Clinical counselling services are available for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, complex PTSD, parenting, life transitions, and more.
Seeking counselling does not mean you are "flawed" or "not enough." It means you are taking a proactive step towards growth and positive change, which in turn improves relationships. Counsellors can offer guidance, support, trauma processing (using EMDR or other trauma-therapies), and strategies tailored to unique situations.
Common Signs You Could Benefit From Counselling
Recognizing when to seek help can feel overwhelming.
Here are some clear signs that counselling could be beneficial:
Persistent Feelings of Sadness or Anxiety
Feeling sad or anxious occasionally is normal. However, if these feelings last for weeks or months and interfere with daily life, it may be time to talk to a professional. For example, if you find it hard to get out of bed, lose interest in activities you once enjoyed, or constantly worry about the future, counselling can help identify the root causes, and do the work of moving through the roots towards better functioning.
Difficulty Managing Stress
Everyone experiences stress, but when stress becomes overwhelming and affects your physical/spiritual/mental health, relationships, or work, it signals a need for support. Counselling can offer stress management techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and time management skills. Beyond these skills, the noticing and naming of the roots of stress can begin the process of deeper healing.
Relationship Difficulties
Struggles with family, friends, or partners can cause significant emotional pain. If communication breaks down, conflicts escalate, or you feel isolated, counselling can provide a neutral space to explore issues and improve relationships. Counselling for couples is also an option for partners wanting to strengthen their connection. I am trained in Gottman levels 1 and 2 and emotionally focused therapy (Sue Johnson's work), and I participate in ongoing emotionally focused [individual] therapy supervision.
Major Life Changes or Loss
Events like divorce, job loss, moving to a new city, or the death of a loved one can trigger emotional distress. Counselling helps process these changes, builds resilience, and helps to create new meaning.
Changes in Sleep or Appetite
Noticeable changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or oversleeping, and appetite changes can be signs of underlying mental health struggles. A counsellor can help individuals work through what is underneath these challenges. Note: It is important to check-in with a doctor with this challenge and any other challenges.
Feeling Overwhelmed or Unable to Cope
If daily tasks feel like too much or you feel stuck in negative thought patterns, counselling can offer support and practical tools to regain wellness.
How Counselling Works in Penticton
Counselling at One Journey Clinical Counselling can happen at my space on Ellis St., in Penticton, or virtually. Sessions are 50-minutes and can occur weekly, or as suited to your needs. Often when individuals are experiencing progress, they space out their sessions, and then re-assess as to where they are at. Frequency of sessions can be adjusted accordingly.
Counsellors use different therapy approaches, depending on their additional training, and depending on the client's needs and wants.
I am and EMDR trained therapist, with additional training in EMDR for kids. I also have training in trauma-focused ACT, emotionally focused therapy, Gottman approach for couples, emotion-focused therapy for families, and music-integrated therapy. Beyond therapy modalities, it is vital that a strong therapeutic alliance is created and maintained.
Taking care of your mental health is essential for optimal functioning, even in beautiful Okanagan settings, such as Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos, Okanagan Falls, Keremeos, or Summerland, BC.
Please connect for either a free consultation, or to book an initial session.
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Melanie
250-328-3210 (please leave a message here)
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