Most people feel uncomfortable asking for help from psychologists, social workers, or counselors. Some people believe only people with major problems see a psychologist, while others imagine psychologists will insist on endless therapy examining their relationships to their mothers. Counseling for chronic illnesses starts with the premise that most people who seek counseling are ordinary people under extraordinary circumstances . Problems are seen as stemming from the illness rather than from some psychological deficit. Counseling can be brief.
Some people like to agree on a specified number of sessions at the beginning of counseling.
It is also often beneficial to develop a relationship with a psychologist or counselor to whom you can return in times of difficulty. This person will know you and can serve as a resource when you or your family have difficulty. This familiarity will allow the psychologist or counselor to help you more quickly and effectively. Often, the first week or two are spent with the counselor or psychologist getting a picture of who you are, what your life is like, and what the specific difficulties are. Often, the psychologist will try to help you reframe the problem into a goal that is manageable and achievable.