What distinguishes formal counseling from informal counseling?

Formal counseling is characterized by its structured approach, which often includes documentation and adherence to specific protocols and guidelines. This structured nature typically involves a clear agenda, defined objectives, and a formal setting where the interactions are recorded for future reference. Such documentation can include written reports or performance evaluations, making it essential for tracking progress and outcomes effectively. This formality ensures that the counseling process is consistent, comprehensive, and reliable, allowing both the counselor and the individual being counseled to engage in a focused discussion grounded in the documented context.

In contrast, informal counseling lacks this structure and documentation, providing a more flexible and spontaneous environment. While informal counseling can still be effective, it does not carry the same weight of accountability or formal recognition, which is why the distinct characteristic of formal counseling is its prescribed format and documentation.