The differences between counseling and psychotherapy can be very subtle. The value of the therapeutic relationship and the use of varying theoretical approaches are similar in both counseling and psychotherapy. Generally speaking, counseling is viewed as more of a short-term therapeutic process that is not as focused on the past when addressing the issues that brought clients in for counseling. Individuals may seek counseling for many of the same goals that people seek psychotherapy for such as conflicts in relationships, self-esteem, grief & loss, life transitions, anxiety, or depression symptoms. Often times it does happen that counseling can lead into a psychotherapy process since problems in the present are frequently tied to the past. Similar to psychotherapy, counseling offers clients the opportunity to take time out of their busy lives for self-reflection, problem-solving and the development new skills and perceptions to tackle their challenges.
In the counseling process I am here to share information and resources on mental health and wellness, facilitate therapeutic exercises, and listen as you sort through your thoughts and feelings. I am here to ask thought provoking questions based on what you are sharing with me to help you gain clarity within yourself. We as counselors believe that the answers you are seeking lie within you, but sometimes you need help to step out of the confusion, stress and distractions to look objectively at your situations to gain the insight you are seeking.
Counseling can help people to…
- Improve self-esteem to stop feeling “not good enough.”
- Grow an authentic voice that speaks your true thoughts and feelings.
- Learn healthy relationship skills such as communication and boundaries.
- Add new coping skills and attitudes that help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms.
- Gain insight and clarity that you need in order to grow during the various stages of your life.
- Reduce the feeling of isolation and not belonging.
- Heal and work through the pain of grief & loss.
- Revitalize your sense of joy, gratitude, acceptance and serenity.
- Rebuild your life after a major life transitions such as changes in job, relocation, divorce and break-ups.
- Find clarity so that you can choose a future you want and begin to work towards it.