DIFFERENTIATING PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING FROM COUNSELING BY PARENTS/FAMILY.

Q. What is professional counseling ?

Ans. Professional counseling is a professional relationship and interaction between a client and a therapist wherein the therapist assists the client to deal and resolve the various challenges and difficulties heshe is going through. 

Q. When do we need professional counseling?

Ans. In our lives we go through periods where we require assistance in order to deal with challenges and problems that upset us emotionally. A qualified, seasoned professional may be able to help you when you are facing a difficulty that is making you feel overwhelmed. Professional therapists and counselors provide the support that people require when under stressful situations. Professional counseling can help in issues related to academic difficulties, adolescent issues, personality issues, adjustment difficulties, interpersonal conflicts, professional setbacks, addictions and other behavioral and emotional problems. 

Q. What are the benefits of professional counseling ?

Ans. Professional counseling provides significant benefits in terms of both mental and physical health. A trained and qualified psychologist/counselor can help to guide people towards a path of healing. They provide helpful insights and enable individuals to see themselves from another perspective while developing some level of self-awareness.

Q. How is professional counseling different from counseling from parents or family?

Ans. Professional counseling is done by a trained, licensed and specialized therapist who provides support and empathy during painful experiences without any judgements or bias. They facilitate a therapeutic and confidential environment and provide client centered, evidence based techniques to resolve the challenges. 

On the other side, counseling from parents or family is an informal way of discussion and advice given by people who are personally related to us. The support provided by the family is significant however the advice is largely based on their own judgements and experience. It can provide temporary relief or reassurance but is not helpful in the long term.