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. Confused much?

Psychotherapy, generally, requires more training and an understanding of working with the unconscious processes of the mind. It can be long or short term depending on the issue and the techniques used. 

Both psychotherapists and counsellors focus on a deeper awareness of emotional issues, and look at the foundation of the problem, offering interventions where necessary. It is these interventions that can differentiate the counsellor who allows you a space to talk from the therapist who will help you to heal and deal with your issues with techniques / interventions that can bypass the conscious mind.

Some psychotherapists choose to be called a counsellor, and some trained counsellors call themselves psychotherapists, so you can be forgiven for being confused! Counsellors may do this as they add to their training and equip themselves with more resources and techniques. Psychotherapists sometimes say that clients find the term ‘psychotherapy’ scary and understand ‘counselling’ better. Others are very protective of their titles! A Dr of Psychology will be university trained and have spent many years honing their skills. However many  therapists have a wall full of certificates to show their ongoing commitment to training and self development. 

Check on which Professional Body they are registered with if you want some reassurance.  Let’s be real, some therapists, no matter what they call themselves, are more suited to your needs than others!

At Integral Life Centre we host many types of therapists, and will be happy to talk to you about your needs and expectations. (find details here)

The best way forward to choose your counsellor or psychotherapist is:

Look for a personal referral. Therapy is not something people talk about often but if you don’t ask you won’t know that there is an amazing therapist just right for you!

Arrange a call with the therapist and ask what experience they have, and whether they will use techniques (like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing), Hypnotherapy, NLP) or whether you will spend your sessions mainly talking through the issues.

If in doubt email Gayle (see contact details) and I will gladly advise you.

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 with them.

Every therapist should have good listening skills, however some will offer teaching and mentoring as well as problem solving techniques. Some have been trained to listen and allow you to find your own answers. Which do YOU prefer?

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. In other words, somebody who needs a sounding board and impartial point of view.
• Is good for issues that arise in relationships where a third, impartial, person can help to bring better understanding.

Psychotherapy:

• Helps people with psychological problems that have built up over the course of a long period of time.
• Can help effectively with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, addictions that are a result of abuse, PTSD and childhood trauma.
• It will help you understand your feelings, thoughts and actions more clearly by digging deeper into the unconscious or hidden psyche. 
• Psychotherapy is more likely to be a process that identifies emotional issues and the background to problems and difficulties.

All the best on your journey!

Gayle Joubert