What Is Counseling?

Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education and career goals. 

Life is rarely perfect. We all face ups and downs and sometimes need some extra help in our corner. If there is an area of your life that you are struggling with, or where you feel you could use additional insight, or even just a partner for the journey, then working with a counselor may be right for you. Working with a counselor helps you focus on your mental and emotional health, overcome challenges, meet your goals, and lay foundations for a brighter, healthier future. 

Professional counselors are trained to diagnose and treat clients with mental or behavioral health issues, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or substance use disorder. But you don’t need a formal diagnosis to benefit from mental health care. Counselors also work with clients who are seeking to generally improve their wellbeing. 

There’s no right or wrong time to begin working with a professional counselor. Many people tend to seek professional counseling when they feel distressed, overwhelmed or stuck. But everyday life challenges like unemployment/underemployment, financial worries, stress from work or too much exposure to bad news in the media are other examples of where a counselor's guidance can help set, or reset, people on their desired path.  

Professional counselors are graduate-level mental health service providers, trained to work with individuals, families and groups in treating mental, behavioral, and emotional problems and disorders. They have obtained a master’s degree or higher from a counseling program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP), an independent agency which ACA endorses.

Professional counselors have also obtained appropriate licenses to practice in the state where they reside. (Learn more about ACA’s efforts to expand license portability for counselors.)

Counselors work in a variety of settings within communities to provide care for those who need it. Their workplace settings include in private practice, schools (K-12 and at universities), employee assistance programs, government agencies, rehabilitation centers and prisons, to name a few. Our Provider Directories are a good place to start your search for a local counseling professional.

All professional counselors have three things in common, so if you choose to work with a counselor, you can expect:

• A Client-Centered Approach That Focuses on You
  Just as no two people are alike, counselors recognize that no two people who work with a counselor will have the same experience. So, a professional counselor’s first goal is to get to know their client.
  
  Your counselor will be interested in hearing about you and all areas of your life. They will likely ask you questions about yourself, your hobbies, your relationships and your work to understand how different parts of your life may be affecting each other.
  
  Through creating a safe, non-judgmental environment and actively listening, counselors help you to explore what’s troubling you. Professional counselors also regularly utilize evidence-based practices grounded in research to ensure top quality care. As counselors get to know you and listen to your concerns, wishes and goals, they help you develop insight so that you can identify and get to the root of your challenges.

• A Wellness-Based Philosophy
  Counselors are committed to helping you achieve wellness in every area of your life. While professional counselors are trained to diagnose and treat mental disorders, they can also work with you to improve your overall wellbeing. Whether you are struggling with life’s adversities or just looking to live a better life, a counselor will approach your treatment with your mental, physical and spiritual wellness in mind. They work with you to understand what is holding you back from achieving wellness, and help you build the knowledge and skills you need to come up with real solutions and healthy coping strategies for the challenges you face.

• A Professional Commitment to Ethical and Culturally Inclusive Practice
  Professional counselors are committed to ensuring that every person who seeks counseling receives ethical, culturally inclusive service that benefits and protects every client. They consider your unique culture and experiences to see your challenges from your perspective. Counselors prioritize your individuality and strive to meet you where you are. They embody this commitment by following the ACA Code of Ethics.