A Forbes article pointed out that 60% of millennial executives feel confident about their career prospects, yet only 28% have the desired career satisfaction level.
The difference between these two statistics suggests that many young professionals are not as happy with their careers as they should be—and they’re not alone in this sentiment.
A survey by the American Psychological Association revealed that most Americans feel there is room for improvement in their personal and professional lives, which is why more young professionals are turning to executive counseling to set them on the right path.
When an executive struggles with stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, it’s crucial to seek counseling and therapy to prevent these difficulties from impacting their work performance and overall quality of life.
But what are the benefits of counseling for young executives precisely? Let’s have a look!
1. Uncover hidden obstacles
The root cause of many employee issues is rooted in employees’ personal lives, not their professional responsibilities. However, sometimes people need a little guidance. A good counselor can help you identify obstacles and figure out ways to handle them before they become big problems.
It could be as simple as helping you define your goals or supporting you as you cope with recent life changes. Counseling can also uncover emotional and mental roadblocks preventing you from reaching your goals.
2. Vent your frustrations about occupational burnout
Everyone’s talking about burnout these days, and everyone wants to know how to manage it, says Charles Davenport, a psychologist at Davenport Psychology in Florida.
And many executives say they don’t have time to see a therapist; they don’t think they can afford it. I say you pay more by not seeing someone. Burnout is real — and it affects your performance at work, whether you want to admit that or not.
If you’re feeling burnt out, take some time to talk with a counselor who has experience working with professionals like yourself. You might be surprised at what happens when you start venting your frustrations.
3. Manage anxiety and work stress
If you’re a young professional facing stress and anxiety, it can be difficult to seek support. The fear that you’ll be perceived as weak or unprofessional is enough to deter many employees from reaching out.
However, working through your emotions head-on is ultimately a better alternative than ignoring them—both for your mental well-being and long-term career prospects. It also might make sense to consider therapy as an option.
Working with a counselor can help you manage these feelings while giving you valuable insight into how they affect your work life and relationships.
Unfortunately, therapy isn’t something most people talk about openly. Still, suppose we want to change workplace culture so that young professionals feel more comfortable seeking support when they need it.
In that case, we have to start by normalizing conversations about therapy in our day-to-day lives.
4. Balance work and family
Work and family aren’t mutually exclusive for most people—they are intertwined. To maintain good mental health and a positive mindset about your career goals, you need to make time for your business and personal life.
If you’re an executive trying to juggle a demanding job with family responsibilities, consider finding support through professional counseling. A counselor can help you identify ways to achieve a better balance in your life and relieve stress that might be holding you back from success.
5. Improved self-awareness
Counseling can help people learn more about themselves by pointing out their strengths and weaknesses. Through counseling, they can also better understand their personalities and behaviors, discover where they are on their development continuum, and determine what type of behavior is most effective in different situations.
With all that self-knowledge, individuals will be able to make better decisions about how to move forward.
Studies have shown that people who seek professional counseling do so because they feel they’re not achieving their goals or making progress as quickly as possible. It means that some of those same individuals could see an increase in success after just one session with a counselor.
6. An increase in motivation
It can be challenging to muster motivation when you’re going through a difficult time. When you’re feeling low, a counselor can help guide you back to doing things you love.
Sometimes, it takes some gentle reassurance that your normal confidence will return and your life will improve. Feeling motivated and in control of your life again can help increase your performance at work and other aspects of your life.
7. An ability to learn how to become a better leader
Leadership takes a lot of focus and discipline. While it’s easy to get caught up in daily tasks, you must also regularly examine your role as a leader and learn how to become better.
By seeking guidance from an experienced business psychologist, you can hone your leadership skills while enjoying some peace of mind by knowing that you’re in good hands.
8. Figure out who you are outside of work
In our society, we define ourselves through our jobs. As a result, many people find it challenging to take a step back and gain perspective on their lives as a whole—instead of just living in their career roles.
One way to start figuring out who you are outside of work is by keeping a journal where you can write down your thoughts and reflect on past experiences and things that make you happy (or not).
You can also keep a gratitude journal or jot down things that make you happy each day. It helps you see how much more there is to life than just work. A counselor can help you with these exercises if you feel stuck.
If you have read the benefits listed here, you are on your way to deciding if executive counseling is right for you. However, if you have any doubts or want to know how to get started, please reach out to our experienced therapist/ counselor team. Contact us today, we’ll love to help.