Counseling is indeed both art and science

I believe that counseling is indeed both art and science. It can even be described as both a relationship and action. My impression is that although the academic world places a greater emphasis on both aspects, the essence of academics leads to a greater focus on knowledge and less on interpersonal processes. This is hardly surprising because it might be way easier to assess knowledge by means of tests and more complicated to evaluate interpersonal states (Ivey, Ivey & Zalaquett, 2012). But in a way, this also introduces a dilemma: on the one hand, if we know more, then we might be able to understand our clients and their problems better. But, in my opinion, the art of counseling rises above knowledge and intervention. Knowledge might be of little practical utility if a councilor is unable to gain trust of his clients. And to gain trust, one needs to deploy creativity and skills and interpersonal qualities, which elevates counseling to art.Interviewing aims at objectively evaluating the issues and problems faced by a client. It is, in effect, the first stage in the counseling process. After establishing the problems and issues with which a client has a hard time, a trained specialist may move on to the provision of assistance and guidance in resolving personal, social, or psychological problems and difficulties (Ivey, Ivey & Zalaquett, 2012). Lastly, psychotherapy is the treatment of mental disorder by psychological rather than medical means.The educational background is the biggest difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist. While the former has a degree in medicine, the latter has a doctoral-level degree in psychology. There is a number of other distinctions that make each profession quite unique.Attending behavior encourages talking. It should be used to let the client talk freely and openly. ReferencesIvey, E., Ivey, M., & Zalaquett, C. (2012). Intentional Interviewing and Counseling: Facilitating Client Development in a Multicultural Society. New York: Brooks …