Degrees: They usually have an M.A. or M.S. in counseling or a related field, though sometimes they may have a doctorate.
Experience: They’ve typically accrued at least 2000-3000 hours of supervised experience, or have at least 2-3 years of counseling experience, depending upon licensure requirements for their state, plus whatever experience they’ve obtained since licensure.
What They Can Provide: They view you as an individual and as a member of a group, account for your gender, culture and role in your family and relationships. They can provide psychotherapy, group counseling, marital or couples counseling and family therapy. They can address deeper emotional issues and relationship dynamics that may underlie the stress you’re experiencing and help you better understand, process and resolve these issues. Some will also provide you with some of the same resources a coach would.
What They Can’t Provide: They can’t prescribe medications.
How They Compare To Other Professionals: They provide help with more in-depth emotional, psychological and relationship issues than would a life coach. They have more experience than an intern, and generally cost more, but are still less expensive than psychologists or psychiatrists.
