FAQ: What Is the Difference Between Counseling and Psychotherapy?

Comments

August 30, 2006 at 11:23 am

(1) John Condron, LPC says:

Interesting article, but as usual, the disussion of credentials gives short shrift to counselors. You are right that anyone can call herself a “counselor,” but you fail to acknowledge that the same is true of the word “psychotherapist.” Also, though you mention the Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential, you fail to acknowledge the equivalent level of licensure for counselors – the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Also, your suggestion that the prospective patient seek out the highest level of credential he can afford fails to consider other factors. For example, research has shown that, though psychologists may have greater clinical knowledge, social workers and counselors often have better “people skills.” Much of the emphasis in the training of psychologists is on research, while the emphasis in most MSW and counseling programs is on treatment. Finally, you fail to distinguish between different types of counselors. For example, I am a mental health counselor. Other specialities include vocational, school, and pastoral. A school counselor may lack the training and experience to address mental health issues, while a mental health counselor would probably be poorly equipped to provide vocational counseling. That level of specialization may make counselors better equipped than more generally trained clinicians.

August 30, 2006 at 1:07 pm

(2) Marylee Burns, M.Ed., M.A., CRC, LPC, LMHC says:

I agree with Mr. Condron and would like to see the reporting of the counseling profession and its services given better research. People get very confused about who is qualified and/or competent to provide psychological services. You said, “In the context of mental health, “counseling” is generally used to denote a relatively brief treatment that is focused most upon behavior. It often targets a particular symptom or problematic situation and offers suggestions and advice for dealing with it.” That’s an odd definition and I’m not sure where you got it. Perhaps it would have been helpful to contact the American Counseling Association to find a definition that reflected more of the scope of the counseling profession.
Anyone can call themselves a counselor or therapist. However, in some states, like in NY, one now needs a license to practice counseling and/or therapy.
There may not be a firm difference between the wording of counseling and therapy. Some say that counseling started with the humanistic trend toward seeing clients less as patients with disabling pathology, more as people with various life stuggles who maintain their strengths and dignity.
The public should seek out therapists/
counselors who have advanced degrees in the area of psychology or counseling or clinical social work (remember that some social workers are not clinicians) and who have worked and were provided supervision in the area of interest (e.g. depression, vocational crisis, gender identify). Credentials do not equate competence but it is a step in the right direction. It is important to find a counselor/therapist who may not only be trained and experienced but also be empathic and able to form a meaningful relationship with the individual client. It’s through this trusting relationship that people feel they can change.

August 30, 2006 at 3:11 pm

(3) Nancy Schimelpfening - Depression Guide at About says:

John and Marylee,

Thank you for the additional clarification. I’m sure my readers appreciate all the information they can get. If one or both of you would be interested in writing a guest feature to further elucidate your points, I’d love to hear from you. Just email me at depression.guide@about.com.

November 14, 2008 at 1:40 pm

(4) Laura McCloskey says:

Could anyone explain to me exactly what the following initials “M Lpc” after a therapist mean?