The Similarities and Differences Between Counselors and Therapists

If you are interested in going into the mental health field, the differences between therapists and counselors may be very confusing and ambiguous. You may be confused as to what kind of education and training is needed for counselors versus therapists. You may also be confused about what each professional does to help clients who seek their help. This article should help you understand the similarities and differences between counselors and therapists.

The terms, "counselor," and, "therapist," are often used interchangeably. Indeed, there are many similarities between the two terms. For instance, a counselor and therapist can both provide clients with advice. Additionally counselors and therapists may work with clients to solve problems, better relationships, and modify specific behaviors.

However, while both therapists and counselors may give advice and work with clients to resolve specific symptoms or achieve behavior changes, therapists can provide clients with psychotherapy while counselors may not necessarily possess the skills and training needed to do so. For instance, a therapist may have received training on how to use cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, Person-Centered therapy, art therapy, narrative therapy, and psychoanalytic therapy whereas a counselor may or may not have received similar training.

Furthermore, a counselor typically deals with situations and problems that require short-term treatment plans. Some examples of problems they may help clients with include: making an important decision, learning new coping strategies, and helping clients cope with everyday problems. For example, I had a vocational rehabilitation counselor while I attended school and she helped me set goals for my future and provided me resources to help me meet my goals. While she could provide me with advice and resources for dealing with everyday challenges, she was not able to provide me with psychotherapy if I encountered a significant problem or challenge in my life. However, counselors who have obtained a Master's degree and licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor may provide clients with therapy utilizing therapeutic techniques and theories, as therapists do.

Counselors work in a variety of work settings. They may work in substance abuse treatment centers, vocational rehabilitation services, in schools, with individuals who suffer from developmental disabilities, in domestic violence shelters and more.

Therapists, on the other hand, typically see clients who need long-term treatment. They may see clients who need help dealing with chronic depression, clients who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and need help working through a traumatic past, and clients who suffer with eating disorders. Therapists may also see individuals who need help with situations and problems that require a short duration of treatment, as counselors do.

Therapists generally obtain a Master's degree in social work, counseling psychology, or clinical psychology. They must complete supervised internships with clients before they take licensure tests. Therapists may also be employed in a variety of work environments. These include, but are not limited to: mental health clinics, psychiatric units, schools, colleges and universities, prisons, and more.

If you are interested in becoming a therapist or counselor, I hope this article has provided you with a little more clarity about the similarities and differences amongst these mental health professionals. While therapists and counselors do many of the same things, there are some slight differences between the two types of mental health professionals.

Sources:

About: Counselor or Psychotherapist:
http://depression.about.com/od/psychotherapy/a/counseling.htm