“Should I be looking for a counsellor or a psychotherapist?” It is one of the most common questions people ask when they first think about therapy, and it can feel confusing when the two words seem to be used to mean the same thing. So, here is a straightforward look at psychotherapy vs counselling, and how to decide what might suit you.
The short answer
There is a lot of overlap, and the line between the two is not always clear. Both are talking therapies. Both take place in a confidential, supportive relationship with a trained professional. Both can help you feel better and understand yourself more clearly.
As a general guide, counselling often focuses on a particular current difficulty, while psychotherapy tends to look further into long-standing patterns and where they come from. This is a rough distinction rather than a rule, and many therapists, myself included, draw on both.
When counselling may suit you
Counselling can be a good fit when something specific has happened or is happening in your life. You might be going through a bereavement, a relationship ending, a change at work or a stressful period at home. You may want a space to talk things through, feel supported and find practical ways of coping.
When psychotherapy may suit you
Psychotherapy can be a good fit if you notice the same difficulties returning over time. You might find yourself in similar relationship patterns, struggling with anxiety or low mood that keeps coming back, or feeling that the past is still affecting the present. In psychotherapy we might spend more time exploring how earlier experiences shaped the ways you think, feel and relate to others.
It often also involves thinking about what is happening now. In my own practice I can combine psychodynamic therapy with practical, CBT-based strategies, and with clinical hypnotherapy where that would help. You can read more on my psychotherapy in St Albans page.
What about training?
Training routes vary. In the UK, professional bodies such as the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) set standards for their members. Whichever term a therapist uses, it is reasonable to ask about their training, their experience and the professional body they belong to. A good therapist will be happy to answer.
I am an accredited member of the UKCP, with Master’s-level training in Hypno-Psychotherapy, and a member of the National Hypnotherapy Society and the National Society of Talking Therapies. I am also EMDR qualified, which I can bring into my work where appropriate.
Three questions to ask yourself
If you are trying to decide, these questions may help:
- Is this about something recent, or does it feel familiar? A recent event may point towards focused support, whereas a long-standing pattern may benefit from deeper exploration.
- What do I want from therapy? You might want coping tools, a deeper understanding of yourself, or both.
- Who do I feel comfortable with? Feeling safe and understood by your therapist often matters more than the label they use.
You do not have to decide alone
The good news is that you do not need to work this out before making contact. Many people arrive unsure what they need, and that is completely fine. In a free initial consultation we can talk about what is going on for you and what you hope might change, and then think together about what could help.
Sometimes that will be shorter, more focused support. Sometimes it will be longer-term exploration. It may also include other approaches, such as hypnotherapy. And if we feel that a different kind of support would suit you better, I will say so.
You can also look through my frequently asked questions to find out more about how therapy works, what it costs and what to expect.
Ready to talk? Get in touch to arrange your free, no-obligation consultation. You can call me on 07855 918895, or find me at Suite 5, 7 French Row, St Albans.