Counseling vs. therapy: Defining the terms
Counseling and psychotherapy generally are interchangeable terms, which can cause confusion. Generally, counseling is considered short-term and practical in nature; whereas, psychotherapy is considered more long-term and focused on the “why” of the underlying problem. However, counseling can speak to the underlying basis for problematic behavioral or thought patterns, just as a therapist can provide counseling in certain situations. See how confusing this is?
The most important thing to keep in mind is that you find a mental health professional who is trained and equipped to help you with your unique needs and individual goals.
Read a counselor’s introductory blurb to get a sense of how they communicate where they are coming from and how they approach their work. If someone does not appeal to you, keep looking.
The variety of mental health professionals is astounding, and it is crucial that you find someone who resonates with you.
What do all those letters mean?!? Basically the letters after a professional’s name lets you know what graduate degree they earned and what license they hold to practice mental health services. For example:
MSW - masters degree in social work
LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LMSW - one who is provisionally licensed and who is under the supervision of
a fully licensed LCSW
LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor
LAPC/APC - Licensed Associate Professional Counselor, one who is provisionally licensed, and
under supervision before becoming fully licensed
LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor
LMFT - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Here are some other terms you may come across:
Clinical Psychologist (Ph.D. or PsyD): A person who holds a doctoral degree and is a mental health professional but who does not prescribe medicine.
Psychiatrist (MD): Someone who went to medical school, who prescribes psychotropic medications, and who manages medication. Psychiatrists will meet with patients on a monthly or every three-month basis; most do not offer counseling services.
The most important thing to remember is that regardless of degrees earned, there are people available and interested in working with you. The key is to find a practitioner who you feel comfortable and safe with, so you can work toward your goals and achieve them in a supportive atmosphere.