Helping a Partner with Mental Health Therapy

I think my partner would benefit from counseling, but they are reluctant to seek help. What can I do?  Seeing someone struggle with emotions and behaviors is a difficult thing, whether it’s a friend, partner, adult child or parent.  Always start with empathy.  Pay attention to their feelings and experiences.  Let them know you care and are concerned for them.  Avoid ultimatums. Without judgement, explore the pros and cons of the way their life is going.  Ask questions like “When you drank a lot last night, how hard was it to get to work today?”  “When you were in a rage, I didn’t want to be with you, and I missed you. Did you miss me?”  When a person comes to realize the positive impact counseling can have on their life, they are far more likely to seek help. At Gulf Wind Counseling in Tallahassee and Apalachicola, we offer individual mental health therapy, and couples counseling that can both be effective in helping a loved one improve their mental health.                  

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