If you are talking with a friend, should you first think about the characteristics of that friend?

If you're a friend who can tell you your concerns, it's most likely someone who listens to you, understands your feelings, or has a similar experience.

In addition to this, if you are a friend who has specialized knowledge and specific thoughts about the problem you are facing, you will want to consult more. So, what do you think, on average, are the odds of getting real help from a close friend when you're in trouble?

If the probability is over 50%, would you try to get a consultation? The more likely you are to get help here, the more likely you are to try to get real help.

This is the difference between a professional counselor and a friend acting as a counselor. People we often refer to as professional counselors are more likely to have the potential to solve the psychological distress or problem the other person experiences and the ability to give accurate empathy.

So, you're far more likely than a friend to be able to help with your concerns.

(Source: Basics of Counseling Psychology, Jang-Woo Lee, etc.)