Sex & Sensuality
Relationships
Tantra

Education involves the sharing of information that may be of interest, value, and applica­bility concerning some particular topic. The topic can be very general or very specific. But the information about that topic builds understanding concerning “what is known, believed, or being discovered.” People approach education as a resource for understanding. People, if “interested” in change, use education as a springboard for becoming their own “counselors,” drawing upon what they’ve learned through education and experience. A student is not expected to become an expert, but may feel drawn to begin a process of personal deep­ening and growth in order to become more of an expert.  Self help model

Counseling involves a very specific application of information to individuals and their unique dynamisms and circumstances. The counselor will obviously share information in the process, but the focus is specifically on why the information matters to those individuals, and how it relates/pertains to them. People approach counseling as a resource for change. They are beyond the “curiosity” stage, and are actively seeking support in managing a process of change. A client is not expected to become an expert, and is not even interested in becom­ing one over time – rather, they are interested in accessing the expertise of another person here and now.  Facilitative support model

While the educator provides some personal insight in delivering effective messages concern­ing what is being taught, the counselor relies heavily on personal understanding and insight to discern what range of resources can be brought to bear in support of the client’s desire for change.

Grossly oversimplified: Education reflects an emphasis on what with some pointers on the why and how.  Self help  

Counseling reflects an emphasis on why and how with some in­sight into the what.    Facilitative support

Obviously, there can be a lot of overlap and fluidity involved between the two spheres. Furthermore, people who seek counseling may wind up wanting to become educated and expert in the field … while those initially seeking to become experts may discover it is more important to have help, right here and now, with their unique process!

The key question is: “What do you most want/need/expect from this relationship?” It is the person’s response that helps to guide the initial relationship with a practitioner. And it is up to the practitioner to be acutely attuned to the person responding – moment to moment – to discern whether they need to revisit their answer over time.