People seek the services of a professional counseling service for a wide range of reasons. If you are recovering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol, the support of a professional counselor can have a positive impact on your recovery process. As you learn about addiction and how to maintain sobriety, you will hear about how important it is to find people who understand what you are going through. Your support network will generally consist of people you meet while in recovery, as well as professionals who can help guide you on your journey. When you work with a counselor, you will have a person in your life who is there to focus on your needs and help you go through the recovery process.

Early Sobriety and the Importance of Support

During the early stages of sobriety, it's important to build up your support network. You want to be able to talk to people when you are feeling like you might abuse substances instead of heading towards a relapse. You can meet people in 12-step meetings or in residential treatment that will understand what you are going through when it comes to preventing relapse. Professional counseling services will enhance the support you get from your peers who are in recovery.

Working With Your Counselor

In order to build a good relationship with a counselor, you have to be honest about what you are going through. Even when it is difficult to share your story, chances are high that your counselor has heard similar stories before. When you trust your counselor, you will get the support you deserve. If you try to hide your true self from your counselor, you aren't going to have the support you need when times get difficult.

The Difference Between a Counselor and Support from Family

Your family members and close friends may not be able to tell you the truth, for fear you are going to get upset or angry. A counselor is there to help you work through your emotional needs while you are in recovery, and is not going to be as worried about offending you. When you need real support that will help resolve the issues you are going through, a counselor is going to be more effective.

As you go through your recovery, understand that you will have ups and downs. When you work with a counselor, you will have guidance and support that can help you avoid a relapse.

To learn more about professional counseling services, contact a counselor in your area like Barbara Saban, LCSW.

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