In practice, it is often difficult to distinguish between the two concepts in a particular therapeutic relationship.
Some people can make changes solo.
Others have family or friends who can help. They may be afraid of damaging a relationship or that their problems will become the subject of gossip. Counselors and psychotherapists are professionals whose relationship with the client is strictly limited by clinical, legal, and ethical considerations, and who are bound to maintain the confidentiality of everything the client discloses. In this case, you will probably want to make your decision primarily on the basis of the counselor's credentials and specialties . If you are looking for help with a longer-term problem, such as a recurring harmful pattern in your life, you should proceed more deliberately.