Aspire to Inspire

By: Kari Mika-Lude The American Psychological Association (APA) defines therapy as “a collaborative treatment based on the relationship between an individual and a [therapist]”.  Therapist is a general term used to describe professional counselors, psychologists, social workers, and even psychiatrists who provide therapy services.  Other terms, such as counseling and psychotherapy , are often used interchangeably and, for the most part, mean the same thing.  To put it more simply, therapy is simply partnering with a professional to work through particular symptoms or stressors.  And I emphasize the word work because therapy can be tough!  The role of the therapist is to offer guidance, support, and encouragement through the use of evidence-based treatment strategies.  The therapist’s responsibility is to push clients to think for themselves, make their own choices, and work through their healing.  If the therapist does all the problem-solving, the client then becomes dep