What exactly is the difference between therapy, psychotherapy or counseling? Put simply, very little. Although different people may have different definitions of each for the most part these terms can be used interchangeably. There are many models and approaches to counseling, some of which will fit well for you and some of which won't.

We would suggest that you find an appropriately trained and certified professional belonging to a professional governing organization and with a background of adequate experience and supervision. Most important is that you find someone prepared to work in a model of counseling that fits for you and with whom you feel comfortable.

Follow this link to see what you might expect from a psychologist.

Psychotherapists are not just people who give you advice. Psychotherapy is not simple problem-solving. Therapy produces change in your life, but not primarily because of advice you get from the therapist.

In reality, therapy is a much, much richer experience. Psychotherapy is a specialized technique which is effective in helping you cope with a wide range of difficulties. It can produce lasting change in your life.

“Specialized techniques of caring have been developed which have the potential to produce change in human life, even when there are deep and persistent problems.

“Psychotherapy helps individuals explore and resolve more enduring and deeply felt sources of conflict and dissatisfaction in their lives, so that they will gain confidence and inner wholeness.

“Building an alliance of trust with the therapist leads to a reshaping of significant emotional experiences, and builds confidence and wholeness in new and enduring relationships. It provides the presence of ‘personhood,’ not just technique.” -Gary Hellman

The foundation of psychotherapy is the relationship you establish with the therapist. Research has shown that the technique the therapist uses is not as important as the relationship you build together. As therapy progresses and trust is established, you will actually use the relationship between you and your therapist as a workspace, to resolve problems in your life.

Because the relationship with the therapist is so essential to the process, it is important to find a therapist to whom you feel connected, with whom you feel safe. In psychotherapy, you intentionally make yourself deeply vulnerable to another human being. That is a very frightening assignment indeed. But you must realize it is this very process of self revealing and trust building that can be the means of your healing. At the end of this frightening and difficult path lies the inner wholeness you long for.

The above is an excerpt from www.metanoia.org-AHS

For more reading on the subject, check out aboutpsychotherapy.com