My story relates so much to the mental health of women.
I counted many life-changing blessings when the year 2021 came. The biggest blessing I received happened in January. This is when my company decided to double my salary and learn about mental health therapy. All the financial and emotional challenges that kept on troubling me went down the drain as soon as that happened. I am so grateful because I am finally experiencing the luxury of enjoying the fruit of my labor for the first time in the last seven years that I started working.
Come February, another blessing came in the form of my parents buying their dream farm. I chipped in a little to make it happen, but it was primarily because of how hard-working they were. They moved to the farm at once and chose to look after sheep and cows for their well-being instead of staying in the big city with risk factors of contracting the coronavirus.
Helping Most Women
Between March and April, I could get a gynecologist to check on my polycystic ovarian cysts, which I had been dealing with since I was 19. More women facing PCOS can relate, so the therapeutic process could not be new news. After performing numerous tests on me, the doctor announced that my ovaries had no marks of where the cysts used to be. Meaning I could have a child (at this age) whenever I wanted. My low self-esteem issues went away at that point.
It allowed me to conquer my mental health concerns (such as anxiety and depression) about whether I could have children and become a mother one day or not. Although some women may struggle to understand in a time where gender equality and gender roles are on top of women’s gender stereotypes issue, becoming a mother could help me realize my dreams. am a feminist, sure, but I don’t agree with some social and cultural feminist theories and particular concerns about new mothers and women’s rights in motherhood.
Could They Really…?
As I counted sheep after counting all the blessings that occurred in my own life in the first quarter of the year, an existential question entered my mind. “Why, despite so many things and the success that I experienced in various aspects of my life as a lady, could I still not find a man who could want to settle down with me?”
It felt like a deeply practical and valid question working going to support groups, talk therapy, group therapy, mainstream therapy, or counseling services since I could see good men involved with bad women with unhealthy behaviors. My definition of the latter was victim blaming in relationships where young women would be the abusers, milking a guy for money and then leaving or cheating on their adult male counterparts in the end. However, when the same guys came across a good woman – or a lady willing to give her all without asking for anything – they could bow out more often than not.
Seeking Answers From The Female Counselors
I voiced out my counseling process question to my women friends during one drinking session at the pub.
They all laughed at me because they thought that it could be the alcohol. They merely said, “Sleep it off, woman. You will forget it tomorrow and remember you’re in the same world.”
Since I knew that women experience this in reality and still would not have the answers for me, I did some research and looked for cognitive behavior therapy from mental health professionals to help with my women’s mental health concerns.
Learning Gender Socialization
I found a licensed therapist / licensed professional counselor specializing in counseling women right inside my workplace. She also mentioned the American Counseling Association. My therapist specializes in offering coping skills and professional counseling services to other women who experience sexual abuse, sexual violence, sexual harassment, domestic violence, posttraumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, sexual assault, mood disorders, postpartum depression, disordered eating or eating disorders, intimate partner violence, and other mental health issues that disproportionately affect women. I also learned that they also have multicultural counseling, training programs, and disease control seminars.
It’s reassuring to know that our in-house counseling office, staffed by licensed marriage and family therapists, primarily supports female clients with their mental health concerns. Additionally, the office holds a treatment certification from the national center, which enhances the quality of care. With the ability to offer various treatment approaches if necessary, I scheduled a new appointment that afternoon to address my challenging question.
When I sat down and expressed my question to the licensed professional counselor, she smiled and asked, “Why would you like to know that?”
“It’s what I have been experiencing in the last number of years,” I replied with a desperate sigh. “I would always find an amazing guy, and he would tell me about a time when he went as far as giving money to a former girlfriend, who eventually backstabbed him. Then, when it came to me – a girl who never needed his money or anything else other than his love – he did not want to make an effort at all.”
Women Coping Strategies
The therapist nodded. “I understand now. If you have not noticed it yet, the common tactic of those “bad women” – as you call them – is that they act like damsels in distress. The chivalrous side of those guys has made them want to come to those ladies’ aid and take care of them. Unfortunately, in your case, they may not feel that way because you are very independent.”
“Is it my fault then?” I asked, worried.
“Oh, no, that’s not what I meant,” the therapist clarified. “Men have different preferences along the underlying message. You just might have only come across guys who thrived in feeling needed by their partner. Hence, they start to lose interest when they realize that you are far from being one of those damsels in distress – that you are a superhero in your own right.”
Women In Counseling Sessions
The therapist’s kind words helped me see the answer to my question about female clients. Why had I not experienced a lasting relationship despite my success in other aspects of my life? It’s because I kept going for guys who most likely needed to feel validation and know that I needed them to survive in this lifetime. Well, I am sorry, but my parents did not raise me to become a damsel in women’s distress or to rely on a home.
Women’s Health And Wellness
Counseling for full-time females is a vital part of the social and cultural state of society, providing support and guidance throughout their life journeys, providing support and guidance throughout their life journeys. Ladies could experience various biological and psychosocial challenges where their gender, being ladies, is a significant factor, such as how there’s a significant rise in depression in infertile women. Advising, in general, could be a wise and balanced approach and the best tool for everyone’s mental health.
Not all counselors may understand the unique challenges and common struggles that women face, so seek out a counselor who has experience in and is comfortable with dealing with women’s issues, such as depression during menopause.
This realization altered the way I dated men.
Instead of acting all shy in relationships on the first date, I would always show my headstrong personality on social media to avoid setting unrealistic expectations and beliefs. If you thought that it was my way of scaring the guy away, you were correct. I didn’t condone societal expectations; instead, I wanted to see who could focus and keep up with my own values or at least meet me halfway.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What Are The Fundamentals Of Counseling?
Counseling is based on establishing a therapeutic relationship between a counselor and a client. The fundamentals include active listening, empathy, confidentiality, and providing a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions.
- What Entails The Process Of Counseling?
The counseling process involves assessment, goal-setting, intervention, and evaluation. It begins with understanding the client’s concerns, setting achievable goals, implementing therapeutic techniques, and assessing progress over time.
- What Are The Most Important Skills Required To Be An Effective Counselor?
Effective counselors possess skills such as active listening, empathy, communication, problem-solving, and cultural competence. They must also have a strong ethical foundation and self-awareness.
- Is Counseling Effective For Improving Self-Confidence?
Yes, counseling can be effective for improving self-confidence. Through therapy, individuals can explore the root causes of their low self-esteem and work on building a positive self-image.
- How Do Counselors Instill Trust In Their Clients?
Counselors build trust through confidentiality, empathy, authenticity, and demonstrating competence. Trust is essential for clients to feel safe and open up during sessions.
- Are There Disadvantages To Being A Counselor? What Are They?
While counseling can be rewarding, it can also be emotionally taxing. Counselors may experience burnout, stress, and vicarious trauma. Additionally, it requires ongoing professional development.
- What Are Women’s Issues In Counselling?
Women’s issues in counseling can include gender-related challenges, such as discrimination, gender roles, body image, reproductive health, and domestic violence. Addressing these concerns requires gender-sensitive approaches.
- What Are The Qualities Of A Good Counselor?
Good counselors exhibit qualities like empathy, active listening, cultural competence, ethical conduct, and adaptability. They create a safe and supportive environment for clients.
- Is Counseling A Female-Dominated Field?
Counseling has historically had a higher percentage of female counselors, but the field is becoming more diverse. It welcomes professionals of all genders.
- Why Do Women Seek Counseling?
Women seek counseling for various reasons, including relationship issues, mental health concerns, trauma, career challenges, and personal growth. Counseling provides a space to address these issues.
- What Is The Feminist Theory In Counseling?
Feminist counseling theory emphasizes addressing gender-based inequalities and empowering individuals to challenge traditional gender roles and expectations. It aims to promote gender equity and social justice.
- What Are Women’s Main Problems?
Women may face a range of issues, including reproductive health, body image, workplace discrimination, and domestic violence. The specific problems vary from individual to individual.
- Why Is It Important For Women To Take Care Of Their Mental Health?
Taking care of mental health is crucial for women because it helps them manage stress, build resilience, and lead fulfilling lives. It also contributes to overall well-being and better quality of life.
- What Techniques Are Used In Feminist Counseling?
Techniques in feminist counseling may include gender exploration, empowerment, advocacy, and challenging traditional gender roles. It focuses on helping clients understand and address gender-related issues.
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What Are Its Major Objectives?
The major objectives of feminist counseling are to promote gender equality, empower clients to challenge gender-based discrimination, and foster self-determination and self-acceptance. It aims to create a more just and equitable society.