How To Support Your Friend With Counseling

Supporting your friends when they are in counseling can come in many forms.

Our office provides online counseling and face-to-face counseling to individuals, couples, and families. We encourage the development of a strong support system. A support system is seen as a peer that you have in your corner. Someone that is present for you during the good times and those moments in life that are challenging.

If you are reading this, it’s because you are a great friend. You desire to be present for your friend who is working with a counselor whether it be in an online counseling or face-to-face setting. Supporting your friend in counseling can come in many forms.

Below are ways to help your friend in counseling:

• You can ask questions and show interest.
• Take time to understand your position or role versus that of the counselor.
• It is important to understand that your friend in counseling is on a journey that has some variables they are not entirely sure about. With this in mind, asking your friend the question, “how can I support you?” can directly lead to building a healthy level of support.
• Share that you are thinking about them. You can do this through a text message, email, or by having a face to face conversation.
• Take time to sit and share space without words.
• Practice acts of kindness. Write a letter sharing praise and words of encouragement.
• Engage in research. Take time to learn about what they are going through.