It is impossible to give any hard and fast rules as to how long {42} counseling will take. Obviously, much has to do with an individual's objectives, the severity of the problem, and, frequently, how long the problem has been neglected or ignored. On the other hand, much also has to do with the counselor's own orientation. Today, many counselors receive training that emphasizes "brief" therapy. Specific goals of therapy are set, and it is frequently possible to reach those goals within a matter of a few months. On the other hand, some counselors prefer, or have been trained, to offer long-term individual psychotherapy. Some counselors have been influenced by the psychoanalytic approach, which is usually of long duration, frequently requiring one to several years. There is no reason you, as a prospective client, should not ask a counselor what kind of approach he or she uses and approximately how long therapy can be expected to last. You should not hesitate to ask a counselor questions that reflect your concerns. As you read further, this book will provide you with a frame of reference so that you may evaluate more fully the answers a counselor gives you. PSYCHOLOGISTS As mentioned in the last chapter, there are three kinds of psychologists who are involved in different aspects of therapy: clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, and psychometrists. ORIENTATION AND TRAINING _Clinical psychology_ emphasizes the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals in psychological distress. Clinical psychology is historically based on laboratory work that stressed psychological assessment tests, and experimental and statistical analysis. Clinical psychologists generally have a Ph.D. and complete a lengthy internship in a clinical setting. Most clinical psychologists develop competence in both diagnostics and intervention. The area of diagnostics includes individual interviews, psychological testing, and personality assessment (psychological evaluation to determine what a client's difficulties are). Intervention (the actual approach used to help a person) includes individual psychotherapy, group therapy, and marriage and family therapy. {43} The objective of _counseling psychology_ is to encourage growth in the three major life areas of family, work, and education and to prevent excessive psychological stress in them. Like clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists receive training in individual, group, and marriage and family counseling as well as in vocational counseling, assessment, and rehabilitation. Often, you will find clinical psychologists in private practice, while many counseling psychologists hold positions in organizations, schools, and social service agencies. Counseling psychologists generally have a master's degree or Ph.D. and also are required to complete internships in supervised counseling.