10 Signs It’s Time to See a Counselor (And How to Find the Right One)
Introduction: You Don’t Have to Hit Rock Bottom
Think therapy or counseling is only for people in crisis? Think again.
Just like we see doctors for physical health, mental health deserves the same attention. Counseling, therapy, and guidance aren’t just for emergencies—they’re for anyone who wants to feel more balanced, supported, and in control of their life.
Whether you’re overwhelmed by stress, navigating a major life change, or just feel “off,” talking to a professional can help. At Roberts Counseling, we believe everyone deserves the support they need, no matter where they are on their journey.
So maybe you’ve gone through a hard time, or you’re not sure what you want to do with your life, that’s okay. You don’t need to be falling apart to have questions about navigating your life. Here are 10 signs it’s time to see a counselor (and how to find the right one).
1. You're Feeling Overwhelmed Most Days
Life can be easy one day, and hard the next. Challenges and bumps along the way can cause overwhelming negative feelings that you just can’t seem to shake. If your stress level is constantly high and you're struggling to keep up with everyday responsibilities, it might be time to talk to someone.
Chronic stress impacts your body and mind
Therapy and counseling offer tools to manage overwhelm and prevent burnout
Learn strategies for balancing your schedule, energy, and emotions
2. You’ve Lost Interest in Things You Used to Enjoy
You used to light up when seeing friends or doing a favorite activity! But now, things just don’t feel the same. If hobbies, socializing, or even getting out of bed feel like too much, this could be a sign of depression or emotional exhaustion.
Loss of motivation and energy may signal a deeper issue
Counseling and Therapy can help uncover the root cause and rekindle joy
Don’t wait until it feels unbearable—early support is powerful
3. You're Struggling in Your Relationships
Life is hard without having good, healthy relationships to keep you balanced. Whether it's tension with your partner, family, or friends, unresolved emotional issues can strain your connections.
Frequent arguments, communication issues, or emotional distance
Couples or family counseling can help build understanding and repair trust
4. Your Sleep Is Off—Too Much or Not Enough
Sleep is a vital part of being human. Without it, we can’t function at our best! Sleep and mental health are closely connected. If you’ve ever had only a few hours of sleep in one night, you will most likely feel it the next day, one way or another. If you’re tossing and turning or oversleeping regularly, something might be off emotionally.
Anxiety and depression often disrupt sleep
A counselor can help restore healthy sleep habits and uncover emotional triggers
Getting Restless Sleep?
“Research has shown that sleep plays an important role in learning and memory. Chronic sleep deprivation also has been associated with decreased metabolism and endocrine dysfunction. ” - Dr. Annise Wilson
5. You’re Experiencing Major Life Changes
Life was never meant to stay the same. But sometimes, too many changes all at once can cause a hurricane of emotions that aren’t easy to navigate alone. Life transitions—like moving, changing jobs, starting college, or becoming a parent—can be exciting and stressful.
Support through change helps you adapt more smoothly
Therapy and counseling can build resilience and ease emotional growing pains
6. You've Experienced Trauma or Grief
As humans, we experience different amounts of grief every day. From losing a job, to missing a loved one, or a place you used to call home. It isn’t easy to say goodbye to the thing or person you love. But no matter what you have lost in life, you’re never alone. Everyone grieves at some point. Yet, Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and trauma can quietly shape how we see the world.
Speaking with a professional can provide a safe space to process pain and regain a sense of control
Trauma-informed approaches honor your pace and story
7. You Feel Like You’re “Not Yourself”
You look in the mirror and something just doesn’t feel right. Even your friends are asking you if something has happened and if you’re okay. But you can’t quite describe it, something just feels off. That’s reason enough to talk to someone.
Emotional numbness, irritability, or feeling disconnected
Counselors help you tune in, gain clarity, and reconnect with yourself and others around you
8. You're Turning to Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
Sometimes, when people go through hard times, it’s easier to depend on negative outside forces than it is to depend on people, relationships, or their grit to get through it. Relying heavily on alcohol, food, work, or other distractions to numb emotions can stir up emotional ties that aren’t always easy to sever alone.
These are signs of emotional distress needing healthy support
Counseling helps identify triggers and build new coping skills
9. You’re Concerned About Your Child or Teen
Kids can often have a hard time expressing what’s really going on with them. Many kids and teens experience stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges too—even if they don’t always know how to express it. But having a safe place to be vulnerable and share the heavy stuff can help them not to bottom things inside.
Changes in mood, school performance, or behavior are important signals
Child and teen counseling gives young people tools to thrive
10. Someone You Trust Suggested It
You might not always see it, but sometimes the people closest to us can see things we don’t. If someone you love suggests therapy, counseling, or another outside help, consider it an act of care, not criticism.
A trusted voice may be reflecting concern or love
Getting support can strengthen relationships and self-awareness
How to Choose the Right Counselor
So, you’re interested in speaking with a counselor, but you don’t know where to start and what to look for. That’s okay, because our intake team can help you choose the right counselor for your needs. But, if you still want to do some research on your own, then here’s a few things you should know.
Not all therapists and Counselors are the same, and finding the right fit matters.
Here’s what to consider:
Specialty: Make sure they’re experienced with your concerns (like anxiety, couples, trauma, etc.)
Approach: Ask about their therapy/counseling style—do they listen more, give feedback, or offer structure?
Insurance & Rates: Look for a provider who accepts your insurance or offers affordable self-pay options
Comfort Level: Most importantly, do you feel heard and safe?
Types of Therapy at Roberts Counseling
We offer therapy tailored to your needs in Dixon and Rock Falls, IL:
Individual Counseling
Couples & Marriage Counseling
Family Therapy
Child & Teen Counseling
Anxiety & Depression Support
Trauma & Grief Counseling
Serving the Sauk Valley Community
Proudly supporting clients from Dixon, Rock Falls, Sterling, and surrounding areas.
Our Dixon office location
Ready to Take the First Step?
You don’t have to go it alone.
Whether you're just starting to explore therapy or ready to begin, we're here to help. We offer in-person sessions in Dixon and Rock Falls, and virtual options for added convenience.
