counselling vs psychology - need info

mix · 08-02-2005, 03:12 PM

hi there,

i'm trying (as we speak) to find a marriage counsellor. there is a list in front of me - some of them are counsellors and some of them are psychologists.

can someone tell me what the difference is and if anyone has some advice about which one would be better?

i just can't believe how expensive they are :/

mmariee88 · 08-02-2005, 03:54 PM

You dont have insurance to cover the expense? At the moment I am seeing a couples counselor, they are basically there to listen to both of yalls arguements or upsets and give helpful advise or suggestions to try and help your couple problems. They are trained to deal with couples.

A Psychologist has been to college for various mental problems or counseling needs.

I would go with a couple counselor for now. Make sure you kind of give them an interview as to what their style is and how they are going to bebefit you!!

Best Of Luck!!!

mix · 08-02-2005, 05:07 PM

thanks for that info.

i don't think we are covered by insurance, i have to double check though. what our insurance does offer (it's kaiser) is a one to one session (as in, me alone with the councellor and then my dh on his own) and then they put us in a class. i don't think this would be very helpful to us right now - we really need some good time when it's just us on our own. our story is pretty complicated.

we went to a woman before, but my dh seems to have a wee problem with women in authority (he tends to shut off - i think he had a bit of an 'overbearing' mother lol. i think she's fab, but there you go), so i've left a message with a man who specialises in marital therapy. maybe this will help him feel at ease.

mmariee88 · 08-03-2005, 12:00 AM

I have never heard of an insurance that did not cover it. But if you don't get insurance for it, almost all counselors will offer a sliding scale, which means you only pay about $65 for a $120 session. It depends n each councelor how much their sliding scale but check around to find the best deal. I really hope counseling helps. I dont believe its gonna help me after all.

LMHCLinda · 08-03-2005, 11:57 AM

Hi there-
I thought maybe I could help out as I work in that field. Generally psychologists have a little more schooling but the additional training is not necessarily related to the actula "counseling" it is more related to research or other areas. The professional usually with the most experience in that area is a LMFT- licensed marriage and family therapst as that is what they specialize n but even a LCSW, LPC, LMHC are also trained to do couples counseling (it depends what state you are in as some states have different credentials) The best bet is to look for someone who is licensed and also has experience working with couples and it is certainly fine to call them first to ask them about their experience, training and that may also give ou an indication if you will feel comfortable with them. You can PM if you have any other questions!
Take care,
Linda