Counselling and Psychotherapy are very similar in a number of ways. Counselling, in specific situations, is offered as part of the psychotherapy process; and a counsellor may work with clients in a psychotherapeutic manner.

Psychotherapy will allow you to examine feelings, actions and thoughts and to learn how to evaluate and adjust where appropriate. Counselling however will enable you to explore personal development and to create adjustments to your life. Making a distinction between the two forms of therapy allows a better understanding of the process involved throughout the course of therapy. Both methods of counselling therapy provide people with a way of dealing with change psychologically.

A psychotherapist is a trained individual who is able to offer a form of counselling to clients. Some psychotherapists choose to be called a counsellor, so you can be forgiven for being confused!

For some, the title “counsellor” may be less ‘scary’ and more easily acceptable than the name psychotherapist suggests.

Both psychotherapists and counsellors focus on a deeper awareness of emotional issues, and look at the foundation of the problem, offering interventions where necessary.

How to Get Your Expectations Met

Entering into any form of counselling requires a commitment on the part of the individual in distress, and open communication. In order to get the most out of the therapy discuss your expectations with your therapist. Choose the type of therapist who is best skilled in the area you most need to focus on. Find out what their specialities are, and make sure that you have a sense of being able to communicate easily.

Key Differences between counselling and psychotherapy:

Counselling:

• Helps people identify problems and crises and encourages them to take positive steps to resolve these issues.
• It is the best course of therapeutic treatment for anyone who already has an understanding of wellbeing, and who is also able to resolve problems.
• Counselling can be a short or long term process that encourages the change of behaviour.

Psychotherapy:

• Helps people with psychological problems that have built up over the course of a long period of time.
• It will help you understand your feelings, thoughts and actions more clearly.
• Psychotherapy is a longer-term process of treatment that identifies emotional issues and the background to problems and difficulties.