is it bad if i miss counselling?

[tamz]

Hey,
Sorry if this is in the wrong forum, I honestly didn't know where to put it. Is it bad if I miss counselling. It's just, I've been thinking. Today is supposed to be my first day with a new counsellor. But it's all the first time I've been up this early and I could be doing something much more productive like revising for my exam on Tuesday! I always think how talking to my counsellor will help but every time I've been in the past I've just ended up coming out upset and it's not helped anything I sometimes feel like I'm better off working through this on my own / talking online to people going through similar experiences. Also, with this counsellor I for 1) have to pay £5 which I know isn't a lot but I don't really have that to spare atm and 2) have to commit to I think it's like for the next six weeks - which I can't do so they're probably going to tell me to go away when I tell them that anyway. Oh and I have to waste two hours getting there and back!

So yeah, would it be bad if I just didn't go?

[CollegeStudent19]

I totally understand why you wouldn't want to go. If I could afford it, I would be going to counseling still, but that's only because I found a counselor I like and trust.
Going to a new one is kinda hard, but it could workout for you. I would probably go just to try it out. You don't have to go back if you don't want to. Anyway, it's completely your decision. If you need to talk, you can PM me.

[tamz]

Hey, thing is, I feel perfectly fine now. Actually, that's not true, I feel better than fine, I'm feeling quite positive at the moment. I know that'll probably change soon but I feel like I should be making the most of it whilst I can ya know? Ugh I dunno, I've never really been one for talking, to anyone really let alone a complete stranger.

[CollegeStudent19]

Well that's good that you're feeling good. Ya I understand. Why did you have an appointment?

[tamz]

I've been on the waiting list since November and this is the first appointment they had. I was told another six months but apparently because of the S.I. I got an appointment sooner. Wish my other counsellor hadn't told them about it now, I feel bad for being brought up the waiting list when I don't even want it :/

[CollegeStudent19]

Wow! That's crazy that it would take that long to get an appointment!
But hey if you don't feel that you need it, then maybe you shouldn't go. But then again, do you think that you could start feeling down or negative again? Then you might have to wait another six months for an appointment, which wouldn't be good.

[Kate*]

I know exactly what you mean. While I was still in school I had the counseling center recommended to me more than once and I used the same excuses not to go. I'm feeling much better now, but I can't help but wonder if I could've felt better sooner if I had at least tried it. Sometimes it takes awhile to find a counselor that works for you. Working through stuff online and on your own is fine, but there is no substitute for professional help. Of course no one can make the decision for you.

[Heartlines.]

I think that it's better if you go and see what it's all about. I mean, counseling is productive. It's productive for your mental health. And besides, you may need the counselor in the future and might have to wait on the waiting list again. I think it would be to your benefit to go to the counselor. Sessions are up to an hour, so you still have plenty of time to study for your exam. If you really don't feel like you need counseling, then don't go. I would say go just to see what it's all about, and decide if you want to continue. Kind of like a trial basis type thing. Good luck!