(Newswire.net — September 28, 2019) — Guidance and counselling are terms often used interchangeably. However, these two important concepts of psychology are inherently different. While both seek to find solutions for problems and work for human development, getting to know the difference between counselling and guidance can help you in choosing the right approach for you. Keep in mind, marriage counselling Cheshire ct provides expert support to couples looking to improve their union and work through marital problems.
Difference Between Counselling and Guidance
This article seeks to differentiate between counselling and guidance. It outlines the differences in definition and the key differences between the concepts.
Definition of Guidance
Guidance simply refers to help or advice given to individuals, usually on matters such as choosing a career or study, preparing for vacation or work, from an expert or a person who is superior in the respective field. As such, it is the process of directing, supervising or guiding an individual for a particular course of action.
Guidance aims at making individuals or students aware of the impact of their choices and the importance of their decisions, which affect their future. It’s a service that assists the individual in selecting the most appropriate course of action, to discover and develop their education and psychological abilities and ambitions. Guidance helps an individual plan his present and future wisely, resulting in self-development.
Definition of Counselling
Counselling, on the other hand, refers to a talking therapy, in which an individual (client) shares his/her feelings and discuss freely their problems. It aims at discussing problems related to socio-psychological or personal issues, causing emotional instability or emotional pain that makes you feel uneasy. The counselor or therapist listens to the client’s problems with empathy and discusses it in a confidential environment. Counselling typically involves several sessions as it’s not a one-day process so that the client is able to get over the reason that they had to attend therapy in the first place.
The process doesn’t merely involve giving advice and making a judgment, but rather helping the client to see clearly the root cause of a problem and identify potential solutions. The counselor also changes the client’s viewpoint to help him/her make the right decision and choose a course of action. It also helps the client to remain positive and intuitive in the future.
Key Differences Between Guidance and Counselling
Here are some of the significant differences between counselling and guidance:
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While guidance focuses on listening to a problem after which the expert gives a ready-made solution, counseling aims to discuss and understand the problem, to advise and empower the individual to make a decision concerning his/her life goals or career in one-to-one sessions.
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Counselling tends to be remedial, curative and healing whereas guidance is preventive in nature such as marriage counselling, couples therapy and more.
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Guidance helps an individual to choose the best alternative. Counseling aims at changing one’s perspective, to help him or her get the solution on their own.
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Guidance typically involves issues related to career and education whereas counselling is taken when the problem is related to socio-psychological and personal issues.
Bottom Line
From the points mentioned, it’s clear that there’s a difference between counselling and guidance. The main difference is that counselling aims at finding problems, working over them and resolving them while guidance aims at giving solutions. However, both aim at solving problems whereby a client and an expert participate.