Some counselors specialize in one or more of these areas. Counselors can also receive specific training to help people who have recently experienced trauma, sexual assault, or domestic abuse.

Mental health counselors can teach a person healthy coping strategies or self-help techniques, or they can simply give people a space to work out solutions for themselves.

It is not necessary to experience severe symptoms to see a counselor. Many people attend counseling because they feel a benefit from talking about their concerns with a compassionate and nonjudgmental professional. Seeking help early can reduce the impact that mental health conditions can have on a person’s health, career, and relationships.

For example, they can help someone:

• understand and process their feelings
• identify issues that affect their mental health
• discover ways to overcome mental health issues
• learn new skills and coping strategies
• set goals for personal growth
• learn more about mental health conditions

 Specific conditions or life events that counselors can help someone cope with include:

• trauma
• anxiety
• depression
• grief or loss
• phobias
• addiction
• anger management
• bereavement
• eating disorders
• relationship and family difficulties
• obsessive-compulsive disorder