FAQs about counseling, coaching, or psychotherapy and finding a therapist in San Rafael, CA or online in California

FAQS about counseling, coaching, psychotherapy and finding a therapist in San Rafael, CA or online in California

So you have determined that you want to feel better and that you want support in doing so. That is a great first step! You may have started researching and looking into options. You want support that feels right for you and is the best use of your time and money. However, it is often confusing and overwhelming to know what type of person can help you with your problems and heal from whatever life has thrown you. What are these people even called- perhaps a counselor, therapist, psychotherapist, coach, doctor? What is the difference in each of these people who are willing to help you and how do you know which one is best for you?

What is therapy in San Rafael,CA or online in CA?

Psychotherapists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. Licensed psychotherapists have masters or doctoral degrees, achieved a certain level of mastery and clinical experience, and must follow high ethical and legal standards. They have degrees in psychology, social work, or mental health counseling.

“Psychotherapist” is a term that may be used interchangeably with “therapist” but helps differentiate from other types of therapists, for example a physical therapist or massage therapist.

Therapists help clients work through emotions, core negative beliefs, challenging behaviors, or past experiences from childhood. Goals may be to reduce troublesome symptoms, express emotions, have a deeper understanding of oneself, get along better with others, or increase the use of supportive resources. Therapy may focus on changing behaviors, understanding how symptoms are held in the body and mind, or exploring the root causes of the challenge both within the person and in relationships with others.

Some mental health issues addressed may include trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, addictions, relationship or parenting challenges, coping with health issues or neurodivergence, as well as treating serious mental health disorders. Therapy often requires months or years to make deep and lasting changes. Therapy may be offered individually, as part of a couple, as a family, or in a group.

What is counseling in San Rafael, CA or online in CA?

Counselors focus on helping people with specific, often present-oriented life challenges, such as stress, grief, school, substance abuse, relationships, or career struggles. They provide guidance and coping strategies. They often provide short term, solution-focused support. They have bachelors or masters degrees. They may or may not carry a license, such as a licensed professional counselor (LPCC).

Wait, is therapy and counseling the same thing in San Rafael, CA or online in CA?

Counseling and therapy are different, but sometimes get used interchangeably by the people who use their services.

Counseling is often specific, short-term, goal-directed support through a specific issue or life transition. Therapy is often a more exploratory approach to support a deeper understanding of oneself and the root causes of the issues. It can take many months or years.

What about coaching in San Rafael, CA or Online in CA? Is a coach what I need over a therapist?

Coaches help people set and achieve personal or professional goals in the present and future. They focus on motivation, accountability, goal setting, and strategies for success rather than mental health issues. For example you might see a life, career, health, nutrition, or fitness coach. No formal degree or license is required but most have various certifications.

A coach could be preferable over a therapist if you have a specific goal that you want to focus on, and want support and accountability. Some psychotherapists are also coaches, but coaches are not psychotherapists. Therapists would need to have additional training or certification in coaching to call themselves a “coach.”

Coaching is not a mental health service. Coaches may need to refer to a psychotherapist to address underlying emotional and psychological issues that are interfering with achieving specific goals.

What about all the different licenses that therapists may have? Which one do I need?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors and have an M.D. They diagnose mental health disorders, understand how other physical health issues affect mental health, and are highly skilled in prescribing medications for mental health conditions. Some also offer therapy as well as medication management, but some do not. They will usually charge the most of all providers for their services.

Psychologists are mental health professionals trained to diagnose and treat emotional, behavioral, and mental health disorders. Some provide therapy, while others focus on assessments or research.  Psychologists have a doctorate degree- PhD or PsyD. Their approach to therapy will depend on the type of training they have had. They have the highest level of academic training, and may charge for their services at a higher level.

Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), and licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCC) all assess, diagnose, and treat various mental health conditions and provide various forms of therapy. They have masters degrees. They all have a different scope of practice but may share similarities in therapeutic modalities that they use and the type of clients they serve. Generally LMFTs treat a variety of mental health conditions but often focus on their impact on all types of relationships. LCSWs treat a variety of mental health conditions but also consider the social, environmental, or systemic factors that affect mental health. LPCCs also treat a variety of mental health conditions, but perhaps with more focus on the individual.

It is important to remember that with any of these types of licensed therapists, it is more valuable to inquire about the skill, training, theoretical orientation, and level of experience that the therapist has for the problems you want to address. It is so variable from therapist to therapist.

A Free Consultation with a Therapist in San Rafael Or Online in California

My name is Michelle and I am a licensed therapist in San Rafael, CA. You can learn more about me here.

You deserve to find a therapist in San Rafael or Marin County who is willing to answer all your questions. It can be confusing and overwhelming with so many choices for help in your local area and beyond. A warm, compassionate, skilled, and qualified therapist is needed to alleviate your suffering and help you deeply heal.  I hope these FAQS gave you some answers as you search for a therapist in San Rafael or Marin County who can best meet your needs for growth and healing.

 If you are looking for a therapist in San Rafael or an online therapist in CA, click here to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.

 My specialties include trauma therapy, coping with grief and loss, cancer survivor support and coping with chronic illness, women in mid-life transition