What is the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?
Counseling and psychotherapy are words that people often use interchangeably. While the successful outcome of both services are greatly dependent upon a trusting, cohesive relationship between the therapist and the client, each approach does have distinct differences.
Counseling and psychotherapy are words that people often use interchangeably. While the successful outcome of both services are greatly dependent upon a trusting, cohesive relationship between the therapist and the client, each approach does have distinct differences.
- Counseling is often short-term and focuses on a specific issue in the present. The counselor serves as a sounding board and guide to help an individual work through a problem.
- Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is typically longer-term treatment and focuses on thought and behavioral patterns, chronic issues, and recurring feelings. This approach seeks to investigate the past in order to uncover the deeper roots of present ongoing issues. The therapist utilizes different techniques to help resolve past experiences and create a more balanced present and hope-filled future.