"I need Counseling,"The Difference Between Counseling and Advice
Have you ever felt overwhelmed and found yourself saying "Wow, I need counseling?! And then asking someone for advice about your problems? It's important to note the difference between Counseling and Advice. Contact Me tab. Advice is not counseling and counseling is not advice. There is an important distinction to be made. In fact, it may be surprising to know that part of a good counseling program is to teach counselors how to NOT give advice or jump to solve the problems of their clients! Advice is telling your client what you think is best for them. It means giving people directives as to what to do next. Advice giving is more of a short term, immediate relationship that counseling. When advice is given, clients are not so much thinking for themselves or solving their own problems, but following the lead of someone else. Sometimes good advice is exactly what someone needs when they can’t seem to solve a problem on their own. But, counseling helps people learn how to solve problems on their own and give themselves their own advice! Individuals solving problems on their own leads to greater feelings of self-competency and self-reliance. Counseling is the process of helping people learn to identify their own issues and resolve those issues on their own. During the counseling process, a counselor will ask open ended questions that lead the client to his or her own conclusions and solutions. Counseling is a more long term relationship between client and therapist. The client's past will be examined, as well as the client's thought processes. Unhealthy thought processes that lead towards negative behaviors will be replaced with healthy thought processes. One reason professional counseling seeks to avoid giving straight advice is that when the directives do not work out for the client; the client may resent the counselor or anyone else who told him or her what to do. When the client derives his or her own solutions, there is no one to blame but him or herself, which is what is healthy. Of course, if a counselor gets the feeling that a client is off track in his or her solutions, more open ended questions, or non-judgmental comments will be issued from the counselor to help keep the client on track. So please be aware that when you ask for Advice, on this website or any other, and a counselor replies, that counselor is replying with their own personal opinion with a background as a professional counselor, but not in the mode of professional counselor. When you find yourself thinking "I need counseling," ask yourself what you feel you really need, longer term counseling, or shorter term advice. Advice and counseling are both very helpful avenues and each has a time and place. You need to decide which means of help is best for you. To learn more about counseling go to: GoodTherapy.Org and American Counseling Association To get advice use the following links: When you find yourself saying "I need counseling now," or "I need Advice," now click on the above links! Remember, you are getting advice from a trained professional! The cost of this service on this website is extremely low. Why is the cost so low? Because helping other's is my life's passion! I do need to charge a small fee in order to support the website and be able to offer advice on this site as my part-time job! Trust me, I wish I could offer it for free! But, I wouldn't be able to keep the site running if I did that! Please check out my low rates and other information about how to proceed. I'm sure you'll find my rates affordable: Rates Motivational and Inspirational Books Need more reasons why you Should Choose Online Consulation or Email Advice now? Read further information HERE
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