The guidance is focused on basically giving primary information for educational or minor problems of life-related to individuals. As well as the psychological counseling process is related to solving the major problems in individuals. Guidance is the primary process of Problem-solving and psychological counseling is an in-depth process of Problem-solving.
The Yearbook of Education (1985) defines guidance as “Process of helping individual through their own efforts to discover and develop their potentials for personal happiness and societal usefulness.” Guidance is informative and didactic and hence it is knowledge based on facts, principles, methods and cognition. Guidance is less personal/intimate. It is mostly limited to career/ academic problems where the counsellor himself/herself initiates it and being at the center.
While counselling is more personal/ intimate, it is not structured and it is conducted at individual level or in very small groups with the aim of enabling a person towards living in a more personally satisfying and resourceful way. It is mostly initiated by a client himself/herself. Counselling is less informative and didactic, the counsellor probes the client to speak, and it is client centered. There is interpersonal relationship carried out in private environment, with high degree of confidentiality and deeper affection for the client in counselling. It is value oriented, deals with individual perception, feeling, needs etc. It cuts across all problems like personal, social, educational and career and other aspects that cause psychological disturbances and stress.
Belkacemi Mohammed Lazhar very interesting question:
Guidance and psychological counseling are both forms of support aimed at helping individuals navigate challenges and improve their well-being. While there are similarities between the two, they differ in their focus, scope, techniques, and theoretical foundations.
Focus and Scope:Guidance: Guidance typically focuses on providing advice, information, and direction to individuals facing specific issues or decisions. It often involves helping individuals explore their options, make informed choices, and develop skills to achieve their goals. Guidance can cover various areas such as career, education, personal development, and decision-making. Psychological Counseling: Psychological counseling, on the other hand, addresses emotional, psychological, and mental health concerns. It involves a deeper exploration of feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and underlying issues that may be contributing to distress or dysfunction. Counseling aims to promote self-awareness, insight, emotional regulation, and adaptive coping strategies.
Techniques and Interventions:Guidance: Guidance may employ techniques such as goal setting, problem-solving, decision-making models, and information provision. It often involves practical strategies to address specific challenges or achieve desired outcomes. Psychological Counseling: Psychological counseling utilizes a range of therapeutic techniques rooted in psychological theories and evidence-based practices. These may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, humanistic approaches, mindfulness-based interventions, and others. Counseling sessions may involve exploring past experiences, examining thought patterns, processing emotions, and developing coping skills.
Theoretical Foundations:Guidance: Guidance draws from theories of education, career development, and human behavior. It may be influenced by theories such as social learning theory, career construction theory, and decision-making models. Psychological Counseling: Psychological counseling is grounded in various psychological theories and approaches, depending on the therapist's orientation and training. These may include psychodynamic theory, behavioral theory, cognitive theory, humanistic-existential approaches, and integrative models that combine multiple perspectives.
Ethical and Professional Considerations:Guidance: Guidance practitioners often adhere to professional codes of ethics specific to their field, such as those established by counseling associations, educational institutions, or career development organizations. Confidentiality, informed consent, and competence in providing guidance services are key ethical principles. Psychological Counseling: Psychological counselors are typically licensed mental health professionals who adhere to ethical guidelines established by licensing boards or professional organizations (e.g., American Psychological Association, British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy). These guidelines encompass principles such as client confidentiality, non-discrimination, boundary-setting, and ongoing professional development.
Target Population and Settings:Guidance: Guidance services may be offered in educational institutions (e.g., schools, colleges, universities), vocational centers, community organizations, or private practice settings. Guidance can benefit individuals of various ages and backgrounds seeking assistance with academic, career, or personal concerns. Psychological Counseling: Psychological counseling is often provided in mental health clinics, hospitals, private practices, counseling centers, or online platforms. It serves individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, substance abuse, and more.
In summary, while guidance and psychological counseling share the overarching goal of helping individuals improve their lives, they differ in their focus, techniques, theoretical foundations, ethical considerations, and target populations. Guidance tends to be more focused on practical advice and decision-making support, while psychological counseling delves deeper into emotional and psychological well-being, utilizing therapeutic interventions informed by psychological theories.