Recognizing the difference between Helping Professions: A discussion

I had a discussion with a co worker the other day about the difference between a social work therapist and a counseling therapist. I have a blog post here that describes the trajectory of the educational career of the social worker. The counselor trajectory is a little different and I had to do a little research. The difference goes a little like this.

So when we were talking about the difference we discussed how a counselor therapist is completely committed to a 50 minute session. They spend many years in supervision and exploration on how to explore and close out some of the greatest intricacies of someone's life within a 50 minute time frame. They can then say goodbye, go home and be good. A social work therapist? That 50 minutes is likely spent allowing a client to vent and adjust to being in the session, especially with children. I often times allowed my clients time to get adjusted to the happenings of the day and then go into a listening portion AND then an exploring AND THEN maybe a little work AND THEN about 10 minutes to close out with something a little less mentally strenuous. AND THEN there is your next client you have to prepare for, possibly some case management that came up during the session.

I don't believe there is a right or wrong to these ways. What I do believe is that it caters to the clients. I believe some clients cater and adjust well to the 50 minute session of a counselor type therapist. I believe there are others who have difficulty with the more evaluative nature of a social work type therapist. This is why I say that picking a therapist should be treated just as important as choosing a doctor and/or a dentist. It is such an important part of one's life, beginning from the decision to start therapy in the first place.

I will be transparent and admit I have been avoiding choosing a therapist because being a therapist I know the fakes, the false, the over the top, the don't know what your talking about and the doing the most. I know I will be picky and I don't want to waste anyone's time, but it is an important aspect of my life in regards to my mental health. I realize it more in my marriage, in discussion with my husband about the prospect and idea of us one day becoming parents and just our future as business owners and entrepreneurs. Mental health is a part of health and I must be responsible in caring for myself in all ways. And so should every single one of us.

The barrier is we don't talk about it enough. I posted a video on my Facebook page not too long ago showing Jay-Z talking about how therapy changed his life and shifted his perspective. A couple of years ago Lady Gaga and Prince William did a video talking about their own mental health. I love what Prince William, Prince Harry and the Duchess are doing with their organization Heads Together to help raise awareness regarding mental health. How different would the world look at mental health if we discussed the intricacies of choosing a therapist like we do a doctor and a dentist? What if we started discussing what are some important questions one should ask their therapist like we discuss talking to a doctor or OB/GYN?

Stay tuned for an ebook sharing questions you should ask when looking for a therapist.

Sign up for updates here

#mentalhealth #counseling #socialwork #therapy #therapist #princeharry #princewilliam #ladygaga #headstogether #youtube