Mental Health

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Counseling
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 Related Terms
 Psychotherapy
 
Definition: Steadman's Medical Dictionary defines counseling as "a professional relationship and activity in which one person endeavors to help another to understand and to solve his or her adjustment problems; the giving of advice, opinion, and instruction to direct the judgment or conduct of another" (Stedman's Electronic Medical Dictionary, 1994).  Counseling is a broader term than psychotherapy.  Psychotherapy can be thought of as a form of counseling that is used as a treatment for mental disorders. 

Also Known As: therapy (but see psychotherapy)

Alternate Spellings: Counselling (the preferred spelling in the U.K., Canada, and most of the world)

Common Misspellings: conuseling, counseilng, counciling

Related Resources:

Psychotherapy
What is it?  How can it help mental disorders?

Medications or Therapy for Depression
Which works better? It may depend on who you ask.

Counseling, MFT, and Social Work Resources
Internet resources for counselors, social workers, MFTs.

Cognitive Therapy for Depression and Anxiety
Find out more about these effective techniques

Elsewhere on the Web:

The Counseling Zone
Jeffrey T. Guterman brings together a chat site and an e-zine.  The site is also the home of the Mental Health Web Ring.

American Counseling Association - healthfinder
In 1952, four independent associations established the American Personnel and Guidance Association to provide a stronger voice for related professions. In 1983, the association became the American Association for Counseling and Development, and in 1992, it became the American Counseling Association.

CounselorNet
a resource at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh with materials for counselors in schools, agencies, and colleges.

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