I happen to believe the majority of people practicing behavioral and mental health counseling after at least eight or more years of study have much more to offer than two women writing for a newspaper column.
I hope they seek help from outside sources, and of course many of those sources would be licensed professionals.
Do you believe in practicing behavioral and mental health counseling without a license to do so?
As with all disciplines professional or trade, there are bad apples. I would no more trust a newspaper column to give advice to anyone I care about.
It is entertainment, and if they give a "lead" to someone in trouble, I would expect that someone to seek professional assistance.
No question - newspaper columns offering help really provide entertainment.
I agree also, counselors with eight or more years experience are probably pretty good.
I gave a flip response. A licensed psychologist or social worker with experience is without doubt probably pretty good. Once in a while however you can get a clunker - like all professions!