What is Psychotherapy and Counselling?

If you are new to therapy and have spent time searching for the right therapist or type of therapy, you might have been introduced to numerous new terms. This can make deciding which option is right for you a little confusing. Two terms you have most likely come across are psychotherapy and counselling.

Psychotherapy and counselling are both known as “talk therapy” that use various forms of psychological theories and techniques. Both psychotherapy and counselling can help improve a person’s mental health and well-being. While there are similarities and overlap between the two forms of therapy (and the terms are often used interchangeably) - there are also some subtle differences. We will briefly outline the two types of therapy to hopefully clarify which one might be better suited to your needs.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is an interpersonal and relational talk therapy used by trained psychotherapists to aid clients in problems of living. Psychotherapists normally have specialised training in a certain model of psychotherapy and typically hold advanced degrees (e.g., Masters). Psychotherapy tends to be longer in duration than counselling as it delves deeper into the psychological realm, addressing more complex and often long-standing psychological issues. The primary goal of psychotherapy is to discover and address the underlying causes of psychological distress experience by an individual and then facilitate long-term healing and personal growth. A number of different psychotherapy models exist like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to name a few.

Some mental health conditions that can treated with psychotherapy include

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Depression

  • Eating disorders

  • Bipolar disorder

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

  • Borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Research has suggested that around 75% of individuals benefit from psychotherapy (American Psychological Association, 2016). Some of the benefits of psychotherapy include

  • Symptom reduction - psychotherapy is often considered the first treatment option for many mental health disorders.

  • Improved relationships

  • Improved emotional regulation

  • Improved self-esteem

  • Improved self-awareness and resilience

  • Recovery from past trauma

  • Increased well-being and quality of life.

Counselling

Counselling is often referred to as the treatment of everyday problems. It is often short-term and solution-focussed. The counsellor will have a certain level of training (Diploma level up), normally belong to a professional body, and will receive supervision of their work. A wide range of issues may be discussed in the counselling environment including but not limited to:

  • bereavement

  • relationship difficulties

  • life crises

  • addictions

  • life transitions

  • self-defeating behaviour

It may also help psychological conditions like depression, anxiety, and trauma. More practical life competencies such as stress management, assertiveness, and social skills might be other life areas which may be improved with counselling.

Counselling is often less-directive being client led, and less likely to be driven by a particular theory or treatment manual. A collaborative relationship - where the counsellor and client work together on solutions to a particular issue is fundamental to the counselling process. In a supportive and confidential environment, counselling assists a person to develop their own resources and strengths to have better coping mechanisms for current and future issues resulting in better life functioning.

Some benefits of counselling include

  • better coping skills

  • increased insight and awareness

  • increased resilience

  • improved interpersonal relationships

  • improved quality of life

Psychotherapy or Counselling?

So after learning a little more about the differences between psychotherapy and counselling - which one would be better suited for your present issue(s)? You might still be unsure and that’s fine, after an intake session the therapist will have a better understanding of you, your issue(s), and your expectations from therapy.

However generally psychotherapy might be a better fit if

  • you have a diagnosed mental health condition like depression, anxiety, PTSD or a personality disorder (or suspect you do)

  • have tried counselling or self-help and found it ineffective

  • you are experiencing chronic or recurring emotional or mental issues

  • have experienced trauma in your life or are affected negatively by past events

  • your emotional or mental health struggles are impacting your daily functioning or relationships

Counselling might work for you better if

  • your issue is related to a current, specific issue (e.g., bereavement, divorce)

  • you are seeking guidance and support to find potential solutions for the issue

  • you would like to learn new coping skills to deal with the issue(s) you are experiencing (e.g., anger or stress management)

  • you are trying to manage substance or alcohol misuse and self-help has not been successful

“Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness” - Carl G. Jung