cinderella- while talking to a friend can be really helpful sometimes it is not always so good to completely lean on a friend especially if the issues are big. I did this and completely alienated a couple of friends because of it. It just became too overwhelming for them to hear about my issues and they just did not know how to deal with it. Also, many times the friends themselves are struggling with some issues of their own so it could get overwhelming for them or they could give advice that sounds amazing and technically could be amazing but in the long run could be detrimental. I think depending on how large the problem is it is worth finding a really GREAT therapist. She is trained to help you and her ideals or own “issues” will not get in the way of her helping you cope or figure things out.
BUT I am also not saying that you shouldn’t speak to a friend. Just don’t put the whole major burden on his/her shoulder. It could stimes be way too much for them to carry around by themselves!
Sorry this post is so long, I just have a lot of strong feelings about this since I have been there, done that.