Counseling primarily involves defining problems,
decision making, problem solving and providing, information, advice or guidance.
Psychotherapy primarily involves the application of
psychological and behavioral therapies intended to improve physical and psychological
well-being.
Outcomes are better when people actively seek out and
select their own psychotherapist or counselor.
Counseling and psychotherapy are fundamentally
different. There is significant overlap as they are practiced and many professionals
do both.
Counselors trained to provide psychotherapy can
provide excellent psychotherapy.
Problems that involve or may involve serious
behavioral and psychological problems require working with professionals who have advanced
clinical and psychotherapy training including experience recognizing potential medical
problems.
A positive relationship is a critical factor in
counseling or therapy and is absolutely critical when working with children and teens.
It is easy to find an experienced and highly trained
therapist. Without assistance and information, it can be extremely difficult to
find a psychotherapist who cares, respects your privacy, is willing to confront your
managed health care company and will hold your legal and ethical rights above their own
financial benefit.
The ability to work with adults does in no way mean a professional is able to work effectively with teenagers and children.
Outcomes are better when clients or patients work
with professionals who are of the same racial/ethnic background.
When circumstances require
that you choose a counselor or therapist who is unlicensed and
unsupervised, it is especially important to evaluate the depth and breadth
of their experience, their background and their qualifications for
presenting themselves as a helper. Working with a counselor or therapist
who is incompetent may do more harm than good.
