Starting counseling can feel hopeful, uncertain, or both. You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. Whether counseling is for an adult, child, adolescent, couple, or family, we begin by listening, understanding what matters to you, and moving at a pace that feels manageable.
Counseling is not about judging, blaming, or forcing change. It is a collaborative process that can help people understand their experiences, recognize patterns, develop practical skills, strengthen relationships, and make changes that fit their values, culture, family, and goals.
Obaar Counseling & Consulting is accepting new clients and has immediate openings.
Change rarely happens all at once or in a straight line. A person may feel ready in one area of life and uncertain in another. Children and adolescents may also enter counseling because a parent, school, physician, or caregiver is concerned. Wherever you begin, your counselor can meet you there.
At this stage, a person may not see a concern, may feel misunderstood, or may not be ready to make changes. The first goal is not to pressure the person. It is to build trust, understand their experience, explore safety and well-being, and gently increase awareness.
Your counselor may help you:
Questions we might explore: What concerns you or the people who care about you? When does this become difficult? What would you like to understand better? Is anything getting in the way of the life you want?
A person is beginning to recognize a concern but may feel unsure, stuck, or divided about making a change. Mixed feelings are normal. The goal is to understand the concern more clearly and strengthen personal motivation.
Your counselor may help you:
Questions we might explore: What would improve if things changed? What makes change difficult? What could happen if nothing changes? What would help you feel more ready?
At this stage, a person intends to act and may already be taking small steps. The goal is to turn hope into an achievable plan with encouragement, useful skills, and realistic expectations.
Your counselor may help you:
Questions we might explore: What is one small step you can take now? What has helped before? Who can support you? How will you know the plan is realistic and working?
A person is actively changing behaviors, routines, relationships, reactions, or their environment. Progress may include small successes as well as setbacks. The goal is to practice the plan, learn from experience, and build confidence.
Your counselor may help you:
Questions we might explore: What is working? What feels difficult? What will you do instead of the old pattern? How can you protect your progress and keep moving forward?
At this stage, a person is working to maintain gains and prepare for future stress. Returning to an old pattern does not erase progress. It can be information that helps strengthen the plan.
Your counselor may help you:
Questions we might explore: What could get in the way later? How will you recognize that you need more support? Which skills and relationships will help you maintain your progress?
Counseling may help clients:
For younger clients, counseling is adapted to developmental needs and may include conversation, play, creative activities, skill practice, and caregiver collaboration. Parents and caregivers can learn ways to support safety, connection, structure, communication, and healthy coping at home.
You do not need to be completely ready, know the right words, or have a perfect goal. The first step can simply be a conversation.
Immediate openings are available for in-person counseling in Moorhead and telehealth across Minnesota and North Dakota. Services are available in English and Somali.
Please note: Counseling is individualized, and every person’s process is different. This information is educational and does not replace an assessment or emergency care. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For a mental health or suicide crisis in the United States, call or text 988.