Although the terms are used interchangeably, counseling is considered a shorter-term, solution focused approach that helps to alleviate emotional stressors and work on specific goals while being more directive. Therapy on the others hand, while accomplishing similar goals, is a longer-term approach, a slower process that often has the client exploring a broader range of deeper issues and understanding the roots of behavioral or emotional patterns.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialization in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, primarily through medication. They are the only professionals-from the mental health profession, that can legally prescribe medication.

Psychologists can diagnose and provide therapy/counseling. Counselors/Therapists can provide therapy but usually are not able to diagnose formally even if a disorder is apparent or suspected. Hence, those professions usually refer to a psychiatrist if formal diagnosis is needed.

Essentially yes, most of their work is talk therapy. These terms are used based on licensing bodies and titles in home jurisdictions. However, psychologists usually have acquired a doctorate or a PhD in a psychology discipline and have more years of training than counselors or psychotherapists and can also diagnose based on the DSM (diagnostic and statistical manual of mental health disorders) while the later usually cannot.

Counselors/therapists/psychotherapist usually have a masters degree in a psychology related discipline. All can conduct therapy/counseling while many are usually specialized in specific modalities like CBT or in specific presenting issues like Eating Disorder and Addictions or Couples therapy, or with specific age groups, such as children or adolescents.

Usually sessions occur weekly for almost an hour. However, the number of sessions needed for each client depends on a variety of factors such as the presenting issues, client motivation and goals, the therapeutic approach used and the therapeutic relationship. Empirically proven therapies for Depression and Anxiety Disorders using CBT rely a specific number of session range to see results (8-12 sessions usually).

While therapy is a slow process, many clients begin to feel better after just a few sessions. Other benefits such as behavioral changes, self-awareness and a deeper understanding of behavior and personality occur over extended sessions and once the therapeutic goals have been met, therapy ceases. Usually however, most clients benefit within 6-12 sessions.

The journey of self-growth is a never ending one. Part of the goals of therapy are to alleviate emotional distress, process situations, achieve a better well-being and equip the client with their own tools and resources to help themselves in the future.

No, they do not. Only medical doctors and psychiatrists are authorized to prescribe medication. Psychiatrists prescribe medication for mental health disorders.

While this may be the reason for many clients to seek therapy/counseling, the profession’s role is to help the client come to their own insight, decisions and directions through the explorative process of therapy. While therapists may suggest certain things, their role is not to directly advise clients on what to do. It is essential for the client to become more confident in coming to their own decisions, so they can begin to depend and trust themselves more.

Choosing the right counselor for you involves many factors such as, whether you are seeking help for a specific issue or disorder, hence the professional you choose should have experience in this area or be specialized in it. For example, if you want help with Depression, it would be more beneficial to seek out a therapist that works with Depression and incorporate CBT, which is often the chosen treatment approach. If you are struggling with sexuality, or part of the LGBT community, it is wise to see a counselor who is familiar and comfortable with these topics.

Another factor for choosing your counselor may depend on your comfort with same or opposite gender. Making sure the therapist/counselor is licensed by local regulation body is must to protect yourself against malpractice and to be assured the professional is credentialed. Read the bio of the therapist/counselor you are interested in, look them up to see if you are comfortable with their therapeutic approach or style.

Not all therapists or counselors will be a good fit for you, so a process selection may be required. Sometimes, finding a good match can happen first time around, while other times, attending a few sessions first is needed before deciding whether to stay with the therapist/counselor.

Yes, all medical professionals, including therapists/counselors are required by their regulating bodies and ethical standards to keep client information confidential. This is usually explained in the consent or counseling agreement form given to new clients before first session. There are three limits to confidentiality where therapist/counselor may is required to inform; when client is at risk of serious self-harm (suicidal), if a minor or someone else may be at risk of harm, and if there is a court subpoena or order to release information.

A therapist will always need your consent (verbal or written) to share information with other health care providers, family members or friends if needed to help you better.

Counseling and therapy are both terms to describe the process of client’s work with their therapist/counselor. While both terms denote the same meaning, counseling refers to a short-term process while therapy refers to a longer-term process

Counseling is usually time limited and focuses on the client coming to solutions, based on present issues and regaining some balance in current life. While therapy can include the same, it goes beyond in exploring the past, its effect on current behavioral patterns and helps the client gain insight into their concerns and life direction.

A counselor and therapist have the same role, the distinction in title is usually based on their degree or licensing body designation.