Therapy's typical focus is processing and reflecting on thoughts and its connection to behaviors you have
Counseling typically focuses on identifying the relationships you have between your thoughts,
feelings, and behaviors and works towards developing ways to break patterns
of behavior you want to change
“Therapist” and “Counselor” are usually interchangeable terms
Wellness coaching or mental health coaching typically focuses on the present
and goals you have, working towards ways to achieve goals you set
Counseling/Therapy can be paid for out of pocket or some
insurance plans will cover a portion of mental health care
“Approaches” are the way mental health professionals work with their clients, specifically in the techniques they use. This provides information on what you will focus on during appointments.
Some of the most common evidence-based approaches are:
Psychodynamic (understanding your past and unconscious meanings and the
relationship they have with your thoughts, feelings, and behavior)
Behavioral (focus is on the role learning of all types plays in behavior and feelings)
Cognitive (emphasis on how thoughts affect our emotions and behaviors)
Humanistic (focuses on the client knowing themselves the best and their
ability to reach their highest potential)
Integrative (combines different approaches and blends techniques
together to tailor needs to each individual client)
Most contemporary mental health professionals take an Integrative approach
Letters behind a professional's name indicate what license they have. This is particularly important when you are searching for help with mental illness or crisis intervention. This ensures that the counselor/therapist has completed education and testing that qualifies them to support and treat individuals using evidence-based approaches with complex mental health challenges. LPCC, LCSW, LMHC, and NCC are the most common and good indicators of safe options.
If you don’t feel like you are creating a helpful relationship with your counselor/therapist, you are NOT obligated to continue sessions with them. Although this process can take time, you do not have to stay with a therapist you feel like you are not meshing with.
Counselors and therapists follow a set of ethical guidelines and HIPPA laws that require them to keep information in your sessions private. This information cannot be shared with anyone, even family members (they should make you aware of any exceptions at the beginning. If you have questions, ask them!).
Counseling and therapy are about more than just talking about your feelings. There are many different tools that you might use with your therapist. You should learn and develop skills and methods to manage your mental health on your own during the course of your therapy.
Think about what issues you are seeking help for and see if you can narrow down therapists by looking at their specialties (i.e., trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, grief, etc.).
For more helpful tips and considerations click here.