Over the years our instructor, Brittany has compiled a list of common questions from the community about the process
of mental health counseling. In doing so, she wrote a mental health wellness article that was published
in the Niagara Gazette newspaper. The Q&A can also be found woven into the material covered in her
716CEU course ‘Modern Client Engagement.’ The 3.0 CE Hour class supports clinicians in learning how to
educate our clients around their common questions- which builds rapport, increases treatment
attendance, and improves treatment outcomes.
Q: Is there a difference between counseling and therapy?
Most often we hear the words counseling and therapy used interchangeably- from those who are
attending sessions and mental health professionals themselves. Counseling may be viewed as providing
guidance and education about symptoms, diagnoses, and prognosis. Therapy may be viewed as
exploration of our thoughts, feelings and behaviors through skillful discussion from the therapist. Most
often, a bit of both will occur which can explain why the words are used interchangeably. It is worthy to
note that mental health credentials vary State to State which could also influence the language used!
Q: What can counseling and therapy be useful for?
One of my favorite questions- Everything! Therapy is good for the soul, good for self-challenge, and a
path to work towards long term mental well-being. There are so many worthwhile reasons to join
therapy. A few examples include: If you or others have noticed you do not enjoy leisure activities or
hobbies as you used to, if you have uncertainty making decisions, if you feel overwhelmed or
underwhelmed with life, work, a partner, your children or family members. If you have interest in
practicing different ways to communicate, managing a medical condition, mental health condition or
addiction, if you have a loved one who is working to manage their own mental health or addiction
therapy may be helpful for you. Sometimes getting support for ourselves can be the best support for our
loved ones who are managing a condition of their own.
Q: How is therapy different than talking to a friend or family member?
To describe this simply- family and friends may tell us what they think, what we should do or what they
would do if they were us. A mental health professional skillfully asks questions with purpose, challenges
thoughts we may have about ourselves and others. The mental health professional and the client take
time to discuss what decisions or choices the person has, may discuss how our relationship with others
in our lives affect the way we feel and the choices we make. A therapist’s job is not to tell someone
what to do. We invite and guide discussion to ensure our client’s reasons for coming in are met with
attention to detail, challenging perspective, encouraging growth and exploring change. We educate on
symptoms of mental health conditions and prognosis, we provide insight and support to your
challenges, life changes, accomplishments and victories. It’s really one of a kind. We all deserve time to
ourselves to work towards a feel good, more often-life.
Q: How long can counseling and therapy take?
It can be short or it can be long. This is really a discussion to have with your therapist. How long therapy
takes varies. This will depend on the reason you joined therapy and what your hopes are by being in
therapy. It is beneficial to let your therapist know if you have a timeline of your own. This will allow the
therapist and you to discuss the time frame and work to meet your expectations.
How do I choose a therapist?
Be picky! Therapy is all about you. You should want to meet the therapist you schedule with! Ask your
self- do you feel more comfortable with one gender over another? Do you think you would feel more
comfortable with someone who appears younger or older? Consider asking for a phone consultation to
get a vibe before scheduling an appointment. Sometimes asking a few questions prior to scheduling or
meeting can provide comfort and reassurance.
