Why counseling is a critical skill for all health professionals

A placebo effect is from a “positive expectation” of a treatment.

A nocebo effect is from a “negative expectation” of a treatment.

So underlying every placebo or nocebo effect is a thought or belief.

So if a thought or belief can make you better at times, a thought or belief can at times, make you sick too. Thoughts and beliefs are powerful things. It changes how we think, feel, and act. 

So what’s the art of helping people with processing their thoughts and beliefs?  Counseling.

Hence, counseling is a critical skill for all healthcare professionals.

Is that a reasonable inference?  I think so.