What is one thing counseling is not?

Counseling is generally focused on helping individuals explore their feelings, beliefs, and motivations to make informed decisions about their financial well-being. It involves facilitating discussions about personal values and behaviors relating to finances to encourage self-awareness and personal growth.

In contrast, therapy typically deals with more in-depth psychological issues, such as mental health disorders or emotional distress. While there may be some overlap between counseling and therapy, particularly when financial issues impact mental health, the primary objective of financial counseling is not to provide therapeutic interventions for emotional or psychological problems. Hence, therapy is distinctly different from the counseling approach employed in financial contexts.

The other options—financial planning advice, coaching, and consulting—represent various approaches that can be part of a broader financial service offering. Each has its specific goals and methodologies, but counseling does not equate to therapy, making it clear why therapy is not a form of counseling.