These two approaches have their own features and are used depending on the client’s needs.

But it is not always easy to tell which of these formats is the one you need.

Let us sort it out!

Counselling is usually short-term and focused on specific problems or situations that can be resolved in a few sessions.

It may be support in making decisions, in coping with stress, or help in particular life situations.

By the way, KIGiP students can counsel clients from their second year of study, because they already have enough tools to be useful with tasks of this kind.

Therapy, on the other hand, is usually a long-term process that involves a deeper exploration of inner conflicts, childhood traumas and difficult emotional states.

It can last months or even years and helps clients reach profound change.

How do you choose? Here are a few markers:

1. Counselling:

You need help in a specific situation.

You want quick solutions or advice.

There is a need for short-term support.

2. Therapy:

There is a deep emotional dissatisfaction or a prolonged depression.

There are unresolved inner conflicts or traumas.

There is a need for long-term work on yourself and your past.

It is important to understand that the choice between therapy and counselling depends on the person’s need.

If it is not clear what exactly is needed, it is worth discussing this in the first session with a specialist who can suggest the best approach.

And why can students of the training programmes not yet be called therapists?

Because this requires meeting many requirements, passing examinations and certification successfully — and even a change in the way you see the world!

Would you like to become one of these specialists?

Find out more about the requirements for KIGiP therapists and the specifics of the training at this link.