Who Do You Turn To
Psychotherapist & counselor are often used interchangeably but there are significant distinctions between the two professions. Addiction and bereavement are only two examples of the kinds of problems that may warrant the longer-term commitment required by counseling.
In contrast, one of the main focuses of psychotherapy is to look into the past in order to better understand the present. It frequently persists for years at a time, either continuously or intermittently. However, in real use, there is a considerable degree of overlap between the two types of therapy.
Choosing the form of therapy that will be most effective for you as an individual may be aided by a deeper understanding of the distinctions between counseling and psychotherapy.
Counseling
Counselor is a colloquial term for “advisor.” It requires the combined efforts of two persons to find a solution. It’s a common term for describing many forms of guidance provision. Counseling can take many forms, including financial planning and spiritual counseling. Any person in a position of advising others can call themselves a counselor. What takes place in a psychotherapist’s connection might alternatively be called “counseling.” The counselor is there to provide direction and encouragement as the client works through difficult emotions and situations. Counselors come in many forms, including those who specialize in marriage and family therapy, those who deal with loss and bereavement, and those who treat those with substance misuse and addiction.
Psychotherapy
But “psychotherapy” is more of a long-term approach, with a greater emphasis on self-awareness and understanding in the face of persistent somatic and psychological distress. The emphasis is on the individual cognitive processes and how they may have been shaped by prior experiences in a way that causes difficulties in the present. Cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and many more techniques all fall under the umbrella term “psychotherapy.”
If you find yourself in need of a psychotherapist & counselor, do not hesitate to get in touch with Edmondson Counseling Services. A company based in Oklahoma City, OK. Call us (405) 843-1551 today to set an appointment.