What is counseling?

Counseling and therapy are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably to describe mental health counseling. Counseling is a joint effort between a client and counselor to address issues clients may face that create emotional turmoil or challenge for the client. Counselors work with clients to identify goals and develop solutions to issues. Counselors support clients in improving communication and coping skills, strengthening self-esteem, and promoting healthy behavior changes and optimal mental wellness. 

Counseling occurs in many settings, including clinics, private practice offices, schools, community centers, and churches. When facing mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and others, people may self-refer for counseling or be referred to by their primary care physician or psychiatrist.

There are multiple forms of counseling, including individual counseling, couples counseling, family counseling, and group counseling. Individual counseling is a setting in which a person meets with their therapist one-on-one to get support during challenging times or help achieve goals they may have identified. Some issues that may be addressed in individual counseling are anger, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, relationship challenges, parenting, and career changes.

Couples counseling can help resolve conflicts within relationships, increase closeness and harmony. Family counseling works to help families address stress, life changes within the family, parenting issues, conflicts, and more. Group counseling can offer people face particular issues that a group may focus on to know they’re not alone in their specific challenge. Groups usually have about 8 participants, a group leader, and focus on anger management, anxiety, divorce, substance abuse recovery, and others. 

Counseling lasts as long as the client benefits from it and wants to attend, or until the problem being addressed clears up or is more manageable. Length of time in counseling may also be determined by third-party payers like insurance companies or other managed care plans.

Professional counselors hold a minimum of a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and are licensed by the states they work in to provide counseling. Requirements for counselors may vary slightly from state to state within the United States but typically include 3,000 hours of supervised practice alongside graduate-level education.

Counseling is a valuable treatment and research-supported intervention for addressing many mental health issues and life challenges. Working with a counselor in the therapeutic relationship allows clients to explore thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns. It provides new skills and techniques for managing stressors, symptoms, and life’s challenges and supports people facing bumps in life’s road and mental health issues.