What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
counseling
Example
I went to counseling to help me deal with my anxiety. [counseling: noun]
Example
The counselor provided counseling sessions for couples struggling with communication. [counseling: adjective]
therapy
Example
I'm seeing a therapist to work through my depression. [therapist: noun]
Example
Art therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety. [therapy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Therapy is more commonly used than counseling in everyday language. Therapy is a broader term that encompasses various forms of mental health treatment, while counseling is a more specific form of talk therapy that focuses on guidance and support for specific issues.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between counseling and therapy?
Both counseling and therapy can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, therapy may be associated with a more clinical or medical setting, making it slightly more formal than counseling.
