Do you know what you want in a therapist, coach, mentor, or sponsor? Would you choose someone who has a similar history? Would you feel more comfortable with someone who does not know about your background, you in general and has never experienced a similar life?
Some important considerations when seeking out a person to guide, teach, mentor and counsel you begin with your goals. What is your purpose to asking someone to be there for you? Do you need a teacher, someone who can teach you what you need to know to succeed in a chosen task or job?
For instance, career counseling and coaching are beneficial to someone just beginning a career or changing careers. Job search and resume writing is so much easier when you have an experienced person to guide you. The career counselor or coach would guide you in how to sit, speak, appearance, and other aspects to interviewing and landing the job of your dreams.
Unsure about organizing, cleaning house, gardening, knitting, even praying and meditation are skills that someone will teach you if you ask.
There are those who enter a 12-step program and find a sponsor. A sponsor is someone who is willing to guide another in learning the 12-steps. What the steps mean, how to apply them for every event or thought in one’s life, and how to guide others. A sponsor is the most trusted individual you have in your recovery. The beginning of learning how to develop healthy relationships. The decision is important to your recovery path.
Finding a spiritual adviser and teacher, minister, life coach, counselor or therapist takes the same decision making process as it does for any change you wish to make.
First know what it is you wish to achieve. Know your goals, the final outcome, and what you are willing to do to achieve it. Second decide if you are willing to listen, to follow suggestions, be open to discussions, new ideas, and a different view of you and your goals. Finally, search, ask questions, collect information. Then ask the one you selected to be your coach, guide, counselor, or???
The final step? Follow through. Remember not all relationships happen, trust does not just happen. It is learned, not earned. The trust you learn is not for others, it is for self.
Enjoy your journey, it is yours. The final word belongs to you. You decide.
Ready to begin your spiritual path? Contact me today. Let’s chat.
Bless you and may peace be with you all ways, in all ways.