Frequently Asked Questions
Is a shrink the same as a therapist?
Yes, "shrink" is slang for a therapist or mental health professional.
The term "shrink" comes from the idea of "head shrinking" and is an informal way people refer to therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals. While some people use this term casually, licensed therapists like Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) provide professional mental health services including therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and specialized areas like perinatal mental health. Whether you call them a shrink, therapist, or counselor, these professionals offer evidence-based treatment approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and other therapeutic methods to help you work through emotional challenges and develop healthy coping strategies in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
What's the difference between a life guru and a therapist?
A life guru typically offers general life advice, while a therapist is a licensed professional who provides clinical mental health treatment.
Life gurus often focus on motivation, inspiration, and broad lifestyle guidance, but they usually aren't licensed to diagnose or treat mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma. Licensed therapists, such as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), have extensive clinical training and use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and EMDR to address specific mental health challenges. While lifestyle coaching can complement therapy by helping you develop practical life skills and routines, therapeutic work goes deeper to process underlying emotional patterns, trauma, and mental health symptoms that may be affecting your daily functioning and relationships.
What does a life coach do?
A life coach helps you identify goals, overcome obstacles, and create actionable plans to improve different areas of your life.
Life coaches work with clients who want to make positive changes but need guidance and accountability to get there. Unlike therapy, which often focuses on processing past experiences and mental health symptoms, lifestyle coaching is forward-focused and practical. A lifestyle coach might help you establish better daily routines, set healthy boundaries, improve work-life balance, develop parenting confidence, or clarify your next steps toward personal goals. This type of coaching is particularly helpful for women who feel stuck or overwhelmed by life's demands and want structured support to create more manageable, fulfilling daily experiences. Life coaching sessions typically involve goal-setting, problem-solving strategies, and accountability check-ins to help you make sustainable changes.
Can therapy "fix me"?
Therapy doesn't "fix" you because you're not broken. Instead, it helps you develop tools to feel better and function more effectively.
The idea that we need to be "fixed" suggests something is fundamentally wrong with us, but therapy approaches mental health challenges very differently. Licensed therapists understand that anxiety, depression, and other struggles are responses to life experiences, not character flaws. Through evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and other therapeutic methods, therapy helps you process difficult emotions, change unhelpful thought patterns, and develop healthier coping strategies. The goal isn't to eliminate all problems or become a different person, but rather to build resilience, improve your relationship with yourself, and create more peace in your daily life. Therapy is about growth, healing, and learning new ways to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and self-compassion.
What is an emotional support doctor?
An emotional support doctor typically refers to a mental health professional like a therapist or psychiatrist who provides treatment for emotional and psychological concerns.
While "emotional support doctor" isn't a formal clinical term, people often use this phrase when looking for professional help with their mental health. This could refer to a psychiatrist (a medical doctor who can prescribe medication for mental health conditions), a licensed therapist like a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who provides talk therapy, or other mental health professionals. These professionals offer evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, trauma, and other emotional challenges through approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and specialized services like perinatal mental health support. Unlike informal emotional support from friends or family, licensed mental health professionals have clinical training to help you process complex emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and address underlying patterns that may be affecting your well-being.
How do I get help for a mental breakdown?
An emotional support doctor typically refers to a mental health professional like a therapist or psychiatrist who provides treatment for emotional and psychological concerns.
A mental breakdown typically describes feeling completely overwhelmed and unable to cope with daily life, often involving intense anxiety, depression, or emotional exhaustion. If you're experiencing thoughts of self-harm, contact emergency services (911) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) right away. For non-emergency situations, reaching out to a licensed therapist who specializes in anxiety and depression can provide immediate support and long-term healing strategies. Mental health professionals can help you process what's happening, develop coping tools, and create a treatment plan using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or EMDR if trauma is involved. Remember that seeking help during overwhelming times shows strength, not weakness, and professional support can help you regain stability and build resilience for the future.
How can I talk to someone online about my mental health?
You can access licensed therapists through telehealth platforms, online therapy services, or by contacting mental health professionals who offer virtual sessions.
Online therapy has become increasingly accessible and effective for addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns. Licensed therapists, including Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), now offer secure video sessions that provide the same quality of care as in-person therapy. When looking for online mental health support, ensure you're working with a licensed professional who uses HIPAA-compliant platforms to protect your privacy. Many therapists offer specialized online services like virtual anxiety counseling, telehealth EMDR therapy, or perinatal mental health support for pregnant and postpartum women. Online therapy can be particularly helpful if you have mobility issues, live in a remote area, or simply prefer the comfort and convenience of receiving support from home while maintaining professional therapeutic boundaries and evidence-based treatment approaches.
What is a head doctor?
A head doctor is slang for a mental health professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist who treats emotional and psychological conditions.
The term "head doctor" is an informal way people refer to mental health professionals who work with issues related to the mind and emotions. This could include psychiatrists (medical doctors who can prescribe medication for mental health conditions), psychologists, or licensed therapists like Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs). These professionals provide treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health challenges using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and specialized services like perinatal mental health support. While "head doctor" might sound casual, these are highly trained clinical professionals who help people process difficult emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and improve their overall mental well-being through structured therapeutic relationships and proven treatment methods.
What is Zelle therapy?
Zelle therapy typically refers to paying for therapy sessions using Zelle, a digital payment platform, rather than a specific type of therapy.
Many therapists and mental health professionals now accept Zelle payments for their services as a convenient way for clients to pay for sessions, especially for those who pay out-of-pocket or use private pay options. This payment method is particularly common for online therapy, telehealth sessions, or when working with therapists who don't accept insurance. Licensed therapists who offer services like anxiety and depression treatment, EMDR therapy, or perinatal mental health support may use Zelle alongside other payment options to make mental health care more accessible. When seeking therapy, it's important to focus on finding a qualified, licensed mental health professional who specializes in your specific needs, whether that's Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma treatment, or specialized services for women's mental health, regardless of the payment method they accept.
How do I avoid a quack therapist?
Always verify that your therapist is licensed in your state and has proper credentials from accredited institutions.
A "quack therapist" refers to someone who claims to provide therapy without proper licensing, training, or who uses unproven methods. To protect yourself, check your state's licensing board to verify that your therapist holds a valid license (such as LMFT - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or similar credentials). Licensed therapists have completed graduate-level education, supervised clinical hours, and passed state examinations. Be cautious of anyone who promises quick fixes, claims to cure serious mental health conditions overnight, or uses methods that aren't evidence-based. Legitimate therapists use approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, or other research-supported treatments for anxiety, depression, and trauma. They'll also maintain professional boundaries, use secure platforms for telehealth sessions, and follow ethical guidelines. Trust your instincts - if something feels off or too good to be true, seek a second opinion from another licensed professional.