The Difference Between Psychotherapy and Counseling

There is a contrast between therapy and counseling in the sense that both serve to enhance mental health as well as emotional well-being. Even though there is overlap, they are two different things that need to be distinguished.

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy or psychological therapy, is a long-term but goal-oriented approach in which the patient and therapist form an ongoing relationship. It’s not about just getting stuff off your chest, but “digging around somebody’s thoughts and feelings and behavior more deeply,” so that you come to better understand yourself and have new tools for managing the same situations. This method is best used for complex or long-term mental health issues, like depression, anxiety, trauma, and personality disorders. It generally involves regular sessions that occur over several months or years.

But what about counseling? Well, it generally tends to be more solution-focused and short-term. The role of a counselor is supportive and advisory, guiding clients through life transitions such as a breakup, or loss of a job. Counseling typically targets particular problems and quickly offers tools and suggestions to meet immediate needs, while psychotherapy delves more deeply into ongoing issues.

Psychotherapy is available at Arbor Wellness according to the needs of its clients. The clinic’s team of licensed mental health providers features a diverse range of clinical orientations, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, motivational interviewing and strength-based psychotherapy.

One of the amazing advantages of Arbor Wellness is that it concentrate on personalized treatment plans. Each client is seen for a comprehensive evaluation, and an individualized treatment plan is designed to fit the client’s goals and needs.

For example, a client who has anxiety or depression may require access to both psychotherapy – the therapy to explore why these mental health difficulties exist in order that it can change – and counseling, which is ongoing to provide them with practical techniques and general support. Conversely, a client experiencing some major life transition – like relocating abroad, beginning a challenging job or ending an important relationship – may find that a more focused counseling approach is what they need to pull through.

Arbor Wellness is more than an average mental health provider; it’s also a place that promotes self-care and wellness. The clinic’s approach recognizes the links between mental and physical health, incorporating a range of complementary like meditation and nutritional advice, to help clients feel better with themselves.

It is important to be familiar with the differences between psychotherapy and counseling as such can determine what type of support and help a person receives. Offering a range of mental health services such as psychotherapy, Arbor Wellness can help with many types of mental health/emotional issues and help clients achieve their overall wellness goals.

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counseling_psychology
https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/counseling
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/guide-to-psychiatry-and-counseling
https://www.grace.edu/psychotherapy-vs-counseling/
https://www.verywellmind.com/counselor-or-psychotherapist-1067401
https://www.verywellmind.com/psychotherapy-4157172https://www.psychiatry.org/Patients-Families/Psychotherapy
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personality_disorder
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9636-personality-disorders-overview
https://www.ollusa.edu/blog/why-is-counseling-important.html
https://www.ucihealth.org/blog/2024/05/major-depressive-disorder
https://www.healthline.com/health/depression-physical-effects-on-the-brain
https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2022/03/how-and-why-to-practice-self-care/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/nutrition
https://www.webmd.com/depression/ss/slideshow-avoid-foods-anxiety-depression

Discover more from Arbor Wellness Mental Healthcare

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading