What is the difference between counseling and therapy?

So, you’ve decided on seeking professional support- now what? Well, one great place to start is to determine what type of professional support you’re searching for. Whether you’re searching for help with depression, anxiety, or some form of domestic violence therapy, it’s important to think about what type of support you’d like to get from your mental health practitioner so you can voice this to them at the beginning of your relationship. This will help both you and the practitioner determine if they are best suited to your needs.

Therapy vs Counseling

When trying to determine what service might be best for you, it’s important to remember that many people use the words “therapy” and “counseling” interchangeably. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to speak to a practitioner before writing them off just because of one of these titles. As a general rule, however, counseling services are normally focused on a specific issue and are usually employed for a specific amount of time. An example of this is marriage counseling, where you might employ a marriage counselor to help you work through some specific issues that you and your partner are facing.

Therapy on the other hand is normally longer-term without a specific endpoint and focuses more on the thoughts and behaviors of an individual and how that same person engages with the world and others around them. Individuals might seek out therapy as opposed to counseling if they are struggling with something like anxiety or if they are abuse survivors seeking domestic violence therapy.

Why Go to Therapy?

If you are struggling with any number of different life challenges and you find your regular day-to-day being impacted by thoughts or behaviors, then it might be time to get some support from a professional who knows their way around the human mind. Therapy is not just for individuals who are struggling with their own mental health, it can also be great for family members who have loved ones experiencing mental health challenges. Often the family members of those suffering from addiction, depression, anxiety, grief, or other challenges could also use some extra support to help navigate ensuring their loved one receives the care they need while also ensuring they are taking care of themselves.

Contact Us for Domestic Violence Therapy Services

For those looking for thoughtful and expert mental health support, online therapy services are a great way to find the perfect practitioner from the comfort of your own home. At ACT Teletherapy, our expert mental health professionals will work with you to develop a unique treatment plan that is best suited to your needs. Get in touch with us today and let us provide you with expert mental health support.