I'm not the sort of person who ever saw myself seeing a counselor. I mean, I grew up in a suburb of Indianapolis, in a middle class family with your average ups and downs. We were normal.  Very normal. Why would I need to talk about it with anyone?

By the time I had a family of my own, I found myself needing to talk about some things. My job was unsatisfying, my spiritual life had fizzled, my child was driving me crazy about half the time and my husband's job took him out of town fairly regularly. I had a great support system of friends and family and yet I was still unsatisfied. I reluctantly sought out a counselor. I saw this as a sort of stop-gap measure. I'd get a little advice, maybe a figurative shot in the arm and be done. I kept it quiet for a while. Who needed to know? In truth, no one did.

I realized after a few sessions that I was, in fact, normal. And normal people have run-of-the-mill issues that need to be worked out all the time. In talking through my frustration with an objective third party, I discovered that my malaise for life was not only normal, but had roots. And once we started to look at the roots, I realized that I didn't have to stay in this ho-hum existence. In fact, I started seeing even small changes and triumphs as a part of an ever-changing and evolving me.

That was three years ago. Yes, I am still seeing the same counselor. It is no longer a secret. In fact, the more I started to mention what "my therapist said..." the more I noticed my friends saying the same thing. I found an overwhelming number of people I know see their own therapist on a regular basis too.

More and more I find myself capable of looking objectively at the life I lead, the decisions I make, and the unexpected parts of life that fall in my lap. I have a "next step" for dealing with the tough stuff too. I have a confidence about my life that I was never able to tap into before.

Now I see my counseling sessions as a maintenance program for my life. After all, we get the oil in our cars changed regularly, our bodies checked out regularly, our hair done with regularity; why not our mental status?

It helps to know I have someone who will offer sound advice. Someone who's main goal is my personal health. There are no hidden agendas or subjective decisions when it comes to what's best for me. I think everyone could use that sort of ally. I am so glad I started seeing my counselor when I did.

For more information about Counseling and Therapy, contact Lotus Group at 317-595-5555, or visit thier website to read about Indianapolis Marriage Counseling.