Differences between Psychotherapy and Counseling

Both aim to improve well-being and achieve lasting change. Some problems may require more time and talk, while others can be resolved relatively quickly through learning how and when to use specific tools and processes.

Psychotherapy

Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy is based on the idea that talking about problems can develop insights and self-awareness about personal beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Learning how to identify and reduce the emotional impact of past events or to accept the challenges of living with a serious mental illness are examples of where psychotherapy can help.Focus is on long-term or recurring problem areas, chronic issues
Examines beliefs, thinking, and feeling patterns and their origins
Explores functional and dysfunctional internal thought processes and feeling states
Longer term (can be continuous sessions or done in stages over years)
Based on identifying and modifying underlying structures of belief, both positive and negative

Counseling

Counseling is often viewed as a briefer treatment approach that focuses on a particular issue or problem area. The work is often done in a time-limited frame using a specific set of concepts, learning processes, and tools. Learning how to reduce emotional reactivity in specific situations or to develop communication skills are examples of where counseling is used.     Focus on present problems and situations
    Addresses specific behaviors or responses to life situations
    Support and education help identify and practice a new or modified approach to a behavior
    Short term (often, a specific number of sessions over period of time, such as 20 sessions over 6 months)
    Based on action and specific, measurable results  

Examples of How Psychotherapy and Counseling Can Help

Gain a Fresh Perspective
Sometimes you may need to deal with a change you did not expect or want. At other times you may want to make a change to drive your own development. Psychotherapy can help you expand perspective, identify existing strengths, create new and more positive beliefs, and set specific goals and action plans.

Increase Self-Esteem and Confidence
Self-esteem refers to positive regard you hold for yourself. Self-confidence is how you feel about your abilities (which can vary from situation to situation). Psychotherapy can help you make choices regarding what you want to believe about yourself (and others) and help you shift resistance and old beliefs. 

Better Understand and Trust Yourself
The American culture is competitive, and many people strive to be like others or fit in. Often personal motivation evolves to be overly critical of efforts and progress. Psychotherapy can help you explore what your authentic self truly wants and needs. This can be challenging, but it can also lead to increased well-being.

Strengthen Communication Skills
It can be easy to develop habitual patterns in written, verbal and non-verbal communications, and then wonder why things aren't going as desired. Counseling can help to understand patterns and then learn new techniques to deliver clear messages and improve respectful listening and conversation skills.

Build Problem-Solving Skills
Effective problem solvers know how to manage emotional reactions in difficult situations and focus on positive outcomes. They can use reasoning skills to decide on and take appropriate actions. Counseling can help to better manage emotions in the moment and learn skills to create steps to a good solution. 

Cope Better with Stress and Anxiety
As with communications, it can be easy to develop habitual patterns in coping/ reacting to daily issues or big challenges. Counseling can help to sharpen sensitivity to stress and anxiety and learn effective coping options. Healthy stress reduction often relates to good communication and problem-solving skills!

Sun Ridge Psychotherapy Clinic

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