FAQs about counseling, coaching, psychotherapy, and finding therapy in San Luis Obispo, CA

Questions and answers about different types of mental health providers and services from your San Luis Obispo therapist

San Luis Obispo is a charming city, brimming with beauty and offering a plethora of outdoor activities that cater to college students, young families, and working professionals. Despite the city's charm and sunny disposition, residents here face life's challenges and hardships just like anyone else, making mental health services incredibly beneficial. However, navigating the process of finding the right mental health professional can be confusing. How does one determine the best fit?

Hi, I'm Andrea Bey, LMFT, your San Luis Obispo therapist. In this blog post I'll explain the difference between various types of mental health providers so that you can make the most informed decision about what mental health service might be right for you. 

Are counseling, psychotherapy, and therapy in San Luis Obispo the same thing? 

In general, yes! Counseling, psychotherapy, and therapy are frequently used to refer to the exact same service. However, there may be some subtle differences between the services. 

Therapy tends to be longer-term, more exploratory, and focuses on treating mental health disorders, such as PTSD and General Anxiety Disorder. For example, EMDR therapy is an evidence-based modality that is often used to treat complex PTSD, trauma, anxiety, etc., is often longer-term, and can have life-changing results. 

Psychotherapy is the general term for any therapy that treats a mental health condition.

Counseling is often shorter term and can focus on concrete goals such as getting through a life transition, including going away to college or a career change. People may also participate in other types of counseling that might not be with a mental health professional, such as career counseling, religious counseling, etc. 

What’s confusing is that the terms are often used interchangeably, even among mental health providers! Whether you choose therapy, psychotherapy, or counseling, it is important to determine whether the person providing the service is a licensed professional (such as an LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, LMHC, or psychologist).

Wait… what is the difference between an LMFT, an LCSW, an LPCC, and a psychologist? Which one should I choose?

LMFT = Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

I, Andrea Bey, am an LMFT. LMFTs generally work with interpersonal relationship dynamics within families, couples and individuals. I however work with women in individual therapy on issues related to past trauma, anxiety, shame, stress management, and ADHD.

LCSW = Licensed Clinical Social Worker 

LCSWs provide support for people through various challenges and can work in a diverse array of settings including clinics, hospitals, and even banks. They can provide services such as general counseling and mental health support, crisis intervention, and substance abuse support.

LPCC = Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor 

LPCCs focus on providing similar support services that LMFTs and LCSWs provide, but focus mainly on the needs of their clients as individuals, rather than working with families or couples. My work in private practice aligns most closely with that of an LPCC, even though I am an LMFT.

Psychologist 

Psychologists focus on supporting individuals as well but tend to conduct a lot of assessments and may specialize in conducting these assessments for certain disorders, such as for individuals with ADHD. Psychologists also have a doctoral degree such as a PhD or a PsyD. LMFTs, LCSWs, and LPCCs are all Masters level degrees.

All of the above professionals are highly trained in mental health and may all provide therapy and/or counseling. As explained above, some may have different areas of focus in their schooling and/or their professional experience. 

What is a coach? Is coaching what I need in San Luis Obispo?

Therapy, psychotherapy, and professional counseling focus on mental health conditions and emotional healing and can only be provided by licensed professionals, or professionals working towards licensure under the supervision of a licensed professional. 

Coaching is a service that often focuses on setting and achieving goals. This can often be a part of therapy. However, there is no regulatory board (as of now) for coaches in California, so ANYONE can call themselves a coach. Some coaches are highly skilled and trained therapists. Other coaches may not have any formal training in mental health at all. The bottom line is that therapists or professional counselors CAN provide coaching, but coaches CANNOT provide therapy. 

Choosing the right mental health provider for you in San Luis Obispo, CA

You deserve to have support from someone who you feel comfortable with and truly understands you, and has the training and experience to support you with reaching your goals and moving forward with your life. 

Ready to start your healing journey? Click here to contact Andrea Bey, LMFT, your trusted San Luis Obispo therapist for women specializing in EMDR therapy, online therapy, and anxiety. 

How to Reduce Anxiety and Stress by Setting Healthy Boundaries from Your San Luis Obispo Therapist

Anxiety strikes again- the stomach-churning, the heart racing, the chest tightening, the feelings of dread and worry for what is to come next. If you have ever struggled with anxiety or stress, you’re well aware of these overwhelming feelings and body sensations.

There are many different causes of anxiety, including a genetic predisposition, a traumatic experience, or an insecure attachment relationship with our first caregiver. Sometimes anxiety is directly related to our experience in toxic relationships. Regardless of where the anxiety stems from, during times of stress, symptoms of anxiety often skyrocket. This is when healthy personal boundaries and excellent self-care is essential. But what do you do if you struggle with setting healthy boundaries?

Healthy Boundaries and the Gate Analogy 

Years ago my own therapist explained healthy personal boundaries to me using an analogy. It goes like this: Your boundaries are like a gate. You can change the gate with each situation and with each person that you encounter.

With your most trusted confidants, your gate may be very minimal, with a small latch and a gate that swings with ease. This type of boundary is reserved for people who love you and accept you, flaws and all. These relationships build you up and help you feel loved, valued and understood.

The second type of gate/boundary is sturdier.  It might be like a picket fence with a solid latch. It can be opened and closed easily, but with intention. This type of boundary you can use with many people in your life, including friends, acquaintances, neighbors, employers etc. These are likely people that you like and enjoy, but may pick and choose what information you choose to share with them. Rather than just stopping by, in these types of relationships there is often a phone call, a plan or an appointment made prior to interacting. This gate/boundary is friendly and flexible, but it’s also not an open 24/7, unrestricted access, type of boundary. 

Then there’s a third category. This gate/boundary is secure and under lock and key. Sometimes the gate might even have surveillance or barbed wire on the top. This is used for people who are toxic to your own wellbeing. They may consistently disrespect your boundaries, put you down and/or harm you physically, mentally or emotionally. It is still a gate, meaning there may be times that you choose to interact with these people under certain circumstances. However, remember that the choice is up to you. You are in control of whether or not to open the gate or keep it closed. Before you decide to open the gate in these types of relationships, it may be helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

Will engaging in this interaction harm my physical, mental or emotional wellbeing?

Am I currently in the right state of mind to engage in this interaction? 

If I do choose to engage, how will I take care of myself afterward? 

Is there a safe person in my life that I can talk to afterward if this interaction doesn’t go well?

For me, the most empowering part of this analogy is the reminder that, as an adult, I am in control of my own boundaries and how they function. I can reconstruct and transform my gates/boundaries as I see fit. This can be a powerful realization, especially for those of us who have struggled with anxiety and/or navigating difficult relationships. 

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Dealing with anxiety, stress, and past trauma can be overwhelming and exhausting. However, the more tools and strategies you have to work with your anxiety, rather than against it, the better. Although anxiety may not be something that you can completely eliminate, I do believe that it can be effectively managed so that you may live a happy, fulfilling, and meaningful life.

My name is Andrea Bey, LMFT and I’m an Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo therapist for women in CA who struggle with past trauma and current anxiety. I specialize in EMDR therapy. If you’re interested in learning more about how to manage past trauma or current stress and anxiety through therapy, click here to contact me for your FREE 15-minute phone consultation.

Take good care of yourself. Remember, you are worthy of the same care, attention, and kindness that you give to others.