What is Psychotherapy?
The terms ‘Counselling’ and ‘Psychotherapy’ are often used interchangeably, as they are ways of the doing the same thing. I offer both, sometimes individually, and most the time in combination.
The defining nature of the terms are:
Focus, Duration and Approach:
Counselling is often shorter-term, aiming to address immediate concerns and provide practical solutions to a specific situation or challenge.
Psychotherapy generally involves a deeper exploration of experiences and behaviours that is more long-term. It aims to explore people’s lives holistically, working to understand our underlying patterns and movations as well as our beliefs, values and identity.
Client Goals:
Counselling: Goals are often centered on resolving specific problems and improving day-to-day functioning. It is typically more focused on helping clients make decisions and handle immediate concerns.
Psychotherapy: Goals may include achieving greater self-awareness, understanding and modifying deep-seated patterns, and working through unresolved issues that impact overall mental health and well-being.
Overall, while both counseling and psychotherapy aim to help individuals improve their mental health and well-being, psychotherapy tends to involve a deeper, more comprehensive exploration of psychological issues, whereas counseling often focuses on addressing more immediate and practical concerns.
The Differences Between a Counsellor and Psychologist:
The terms "counsellor" and "psychologist" refer to different types of mental health professionals, and while there is some overlap in what they do, there are key differences:
Counsellor:
Training: Counsellors typically have a background in counseling or a related field. They may hold a master's degree in counselling, social work, or a similar field. Their training focuses on therapeutic techniques, communication skills, and understanding human behavior. Im my case, my undergraduate degree covered principles of social, community and traditoinal psychology with the Masters of Counselling focusing on various therapetuic interventions and mental health presentations.
Scope of Practice: Counsellors often work with clients on a variety of issues, such as relationship problems, stress, grief, and life transitions. They may use talk therapy and other therapeutic techniques to help clients address specific problems.
Psychologist:
Training: Psychologists typically have a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology. Their training involves study in various areas of psychology, including assessment and therapeutic techniques.
Scope of Practice: Psychologists are trained to diagnose and treat a range of mental health conditions. They often conduct psychological assessments, provide therapy, and may engage in research.