Now you may wonder why I just didn’t have counseling with Doc or one of my other colleagues? Well there are ethical guidelines that prohibit that. That’s a good thing, because you need someone that has a unbias perspective. After all, what if I needed to talk about a problem I was having with Doc or a co-worker?
You may be wondering what kind of problems that a very handsome, popular and smart therapy dog would have? Well you might be surprised. Just because everything looks good on the outside, doesn’t mean that I don’t have issues just like everyone else. There is no shame in admitting that, in fact it takes courage to be vulnerable. Just like going to the doctor if you have a medical problem, self-care also means taking care of your mental health.
When I arrived at my new counselors office, I have to admit I was a little anxious, since I was the one that was use to doing the therapy, not receiving it. I soon found out that I had nothing to worry about. As soon as I climbed up in the chair and he looked at me and smiled, I felt right at ease. As the counseling session went along it became easier to talk about my problems. And I have to admit that by the end of the session, I was feeling more hopeful and had a plan to work on the things that had been bothering me.
After the counseling appointment, Doc put me in the car and drove me home and she asked how it went. I told her I was glad that I had gone, that talking to someone helped to ease my mind. Then she said, ” I am proud of you for asking for help when you needed it Grover.”
If you or anyone you know needs help or support, you can contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-6264.