Counseling. Is it more than just lending an ear?
People come to counseling to address any number of personal or interpersonal issues. But why see a counselor? This story may help explain:
A major cruise liner was being launched from the building docks. With all the mooring ropes released, the cruise liner sat still, refusing to drift down its track into the water. A known expert was called to assess the situation and free the boat from its place.
The expert brought but a little hammer. After walking from bow to stern and back again and after gently placing a hand at various points along the side of the boat, the expert then withdrew the little hammer to tap the side at a chosen spot. With that single tap the cruise liner began to creek on the track and then slowly start its decent into the water.
It was launched. Problem solved.
The expert provided the bill of $10,000.00 to the owner of the cruise liner.
When asked to justify the cost, the expert explained, “I knew where to tap it.”
While counseling is more than just lending an ear, the counselor must know what to listen for and then how to respond in a way that may be helpful. That distinguishes the counselor from one who provides friendly advice.
How long it takes for counseling to be helpful depends greatly on the experience and approach of the counselor. If you are considering counseling, look for experience and be cautious about purchasing this service only on the basis of cost.
I am Gary Direnfeld and I am a social worker. I actually use a sliding fee schedule to be as responsive as I can to peoples’ different income levels. You can view my sliding fee schedule on my counseling page. It would be my pleasure to be of service.
Know someone else who might need counseling? Please scroll down and share this article.
Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW
gary@yoursocialworker.com
http://www.yoursocialworker.com
Gary Direnfeld is a social worker. Courts in Ontario, Canada, consider him an expert in social work, marital and family therapy, child development, parent-child relations and custody and access matters. Gary is the host of the TV reality show, Newlywed, Nearly Dead, parenting columnist for the Hamilton Spectator and author of Marriage Rescue: Overcoming the ten deadly sins in failing relationships. Gary maintains a private practice in Dundas and Georgina Ontario, providing a range of services for people in distress. He speaks at conferences and workshops throughout North America.
If your relationship is faltering, then set it as your priority.
Read: Marriage Rescue: Overcoming ten deadly sins in failing relationships.
Gary Direnfeld 
Very clear and to the point, like the hammer!