Last week, , the full service counseling practice I founded a few years back, hosted a summertime mixer and open house with the intention of helping the community and local businesses understand our line of work and the need for emotional support and mental health care within the Los Gatos and surrounding communities.
What I discovered by hosting the event was a mixed bag of responses about the world of counseling and therapy. Some people cautiously questioned “So what exactly do you do?” while others seemed to have a clear gauge and understanding of the mental health world as they commented “Thanks for all the work you do.”
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I am quite used to receiving mixed responses from people with regards to reaching out for emotional support and help. Some individuals have had personal experiences with a therapist or in counseling sessions and have learned its value. Yet for others, it is still a tough decision to consider, yet alone engage in.
I am curious to know your thoughts on whether or not the stigma against mental health still exists in our community?
