According to the American Counseling Association, counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals.
Counseling (or therapy) assists you examine the behaviors, thoughts and feelings that are causing you difficulties. It helps you understand effective ways to deal with your problems by building upon personal strengths. A professional counselor or psychotherapist will encourage your personal growth and development in ways that foster your interest and welfare. Therapists and clients work together to understand problems and come up with plans for fixing them. The focus is generally on changing ineffective thoughts, emotions or behaviors. Most therapy focuses on individuals, although psychotherapists also work with couples, families and groups.
