How can counseling help us to adapt better and thrive

The use of metaphors and analogies can be very useful in counseling because many ideas and concepts in mental health can be quite abstract. I often liken the mind to a computer, with our system of values, beliefs, internal rules, principles, and the way we think, being the operating system.

The problem is, the operating system needs regular updates as our environment and society is changing so rapidly.

To complicate things, it is also hooked into the network with other computers which use different operating systems. A mixture of Windows, iOS, Linux and a few others.

With that in mind, it’s not surprising to see so many internal and external conflicts in our lives, and the lives of our patients. Furthermore, if these internal and external conflicts are not resolved, it may manifest as stress, anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders with anxious or depressed mood.

So counseling is to assist our patients to update their operating system on a regular basis, and to understand and find ways to reconcile with the other operating systems in the network. It can be a tough gig for sure.