The terms “Counselor” and “Therapist” are often used interchangeably. Many people think that counseling and psychotherapy are the same things. Is there a difference between the two? The answer is “Yes”. As a licensed mental health provider, I get asked frequently about the difference between counseling and psychotherapy. Before I explain the differences between the two, let me first explain the difference between counselors and psychotherapists.
There are many different types of counselors. Some might be grief counselors, educational or school counselors, or clergy members who provide pastoral counseling. While these professionals can provide a variety of services that usually include giving advice, guidance, or support on a certain subject, they are not trained or licensed to treat chronic mental health diagnoses. On the other hand, psychotherapists are professionals with advanced degrees who are clinically trained to treat more severe mental health symptoms and diagnoses. They can provide both counseling and psychotherapy. Psychotherapists can have several degree backgrounds and can be identified as the following: Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Clinical Psychologists (PsyD), or Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC). Before seeking help with a mental or emotional problem, it is very important to understand who might be the best fit for treating your symptoms.
What is Counseling?
Counseling is a form of treatment that offers guidance and support for a specific problem. It is not only for individuals, but also for couples and families who are experiencing relationship issues. Most counseling services are short-term and solution-focused, lasting for only a few weeks or months. Stress management, anger management, grief and loss, and other life transitions are all issues that can be addressed in counseling.
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is used to address more chronic diagnosable mental health disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Schizophrenia (just to name a few). There are specific evidenced-based interventions that psychotherapists are trained to use to treat these types of disorders and some of them are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Psychoanalytic Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, and Child-Centered Play Therapy. Psychotherapy can be long-term depending on the diagnosis. A psychotherapist will need to conduct a clinical assessment to diagnose and to determine which intervention to use.
Which Do I Choose?
When determining whether to choose a counselor or psychotherapist, pay close attention to your symptoms. If your symptoms are mild, relational, or involve the need for better coping skills, you may want to seek counseling. However, if you are having a hard time functioning with your daily activities, having flashbacks of past traumatic events, or having thoughts to harm yourself or others, you will need to seek a psychotherapist. Utilize your online and community resources to find the professional who will be the right fit for you.
