FAQs about counseling, coaching, psychotherapy, and finding therapy in Alpharetta
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Looking for a therapist can be a daunting process. The great thing about living in Alpharetta, GA is we have easy access to our city and neighboring cities. BUT sometimes having too many choices makes the process of starting to look for a therapist, let alone settling on one you feel connected to, challenging. There is also a lot of terminology out there “therapy,” “counseling,” “coaching,” that can leave you feeling confused and unsure where to start. What does it all mean and how do I know what I need? Let’s talk about it!
What Does a Therapist Do?
Understanding the role of a therapist and how they support mental health and well-being.
First, let’s talk terminology. You will often hear the words counseling and therapy used interchangeably. I’m sure my clients have heard me do the same thing in session. While the terms are similar, counseling is typically considered to be shorter-term and more narrowly focused on a specific area. Therapy is considered to be longer-term and focused on the whole person vs a specific problem. However, whether the difference between the terms matters much is debatable. Most licensed professionals, such as myself, are trained in both therapy and counseling and don’t find a meaningful difference between the terms.
Then there’s coaching. Coaching is separate profession entirely. Therapists can provide coaching but coaches cannot provide therapy. Licensed mental health professionals are required to complete a licensing examination and ongoing education in order to hold a state license. This means there is regular oversight of practitioners and consequences for violating ethical standards.
How to Choose the Right Therapist in Alpharetta?
Tips for finding a therapist who aligns with your needs and values.
You may say, “That’s all well and good but I still don’t know how to choose!” Your relationship with your therapist, how well you feel connected to and understood by them, is the most important aspect of therapy. Your choice of therapist should be based on your needs. Do you feel more connected to a person of a certain gender identity, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious view? Making a choice based on connection makes it the most likely you will get what you need out of therapy.
Taking the Next Step: Schedule Your Consultation
Therapy should be more than chatting with someone every week. Therapy is meant to dive deeply into the challenges you are facing and give you the tools and strategies you need to live life in a way that is meaningful to you.
Ready to embark on your healing journey? Connect with Coral Rose Counseling in Alpharetta today.