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What is the Difference Between Psychotherapy and Counselling?

What is the Difference Between Psychotherapy and Counselling?
What is the Difference Between Psychotherapy and Counselling?

As someone seeking mental health support you may have come across terms like “psychotherapy” and “counselling.” But do you know the differences between the two? Understanding these differences is essential to finding the right type of therapy for you. In this blog post, we’ll explore the distinctions between psychotherapy and counselling so you can make an informed decision about the best approach for your needs.

Definition and Goals

Psychotherapy and counselling share similarities but they differ in some fundamental ways. Psychotherapy is a more extensive and in-depth form of therapy that seeks to address the root causes of mental health issues. Its goal is to help clients gain insight into their thoughts, feelings and behaviors and how they interact with the world. Counselling on the other hand is more focused on specific issues and aims to help clients manage their symptoms and improve their coping strategies.

Duration and Frequency

Psychotherapy tends to be longer-term with the therapist and client working together for several months or even years. Sessions are usually scheduled weekly, and progress is gradual and continuous. In contrast, counselling can be more short-term with clients attending a limited number of sessions to address a particular issue such as grief or stress. Counselling sessions may be scheduled more frequently such as twice a week until the client’s symptoms improve.

Therapist Training and Techniques

Psychotherapists typically have more extensive training and education, such as a Master’s or Doctoral degree, to help clients build insights and long-lasting change. They may use a variety of therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on the client’s needs. Counsellors, on the other hand, may have minimal or no post-secondary education requirements, so they can be more flexible about the techniques and styles they use. Some counsellors may practice brief therapy or problem-focused therapy, and use techniques such as motivational interviewing or solution-focused therapy.

Scope of Practice

The scope of practice can also vary between psychotherapy and counselling. Since psychotherapy aims to address the deeper, underlying causes of mental health issues, it may be more suitable for people with severe and complex mental health conditions, such as personality disorders or chronic depression. Counselling, on the other hand, can be useful for people with mild to moderate mental health concerns, such as adjustment disorders or situational anxiety.

Cost and Accessibility

Finally, the cost and accessibility of psychotherapy and counselling can differ. Psychotherapy may be more expensive, as sessions are usually longer and require more specialized training.

However, some insurance plans may cover psychotherapy, making it more accessible to clients. Counselling can be less expensive, and some workplaces or community centers may offer free or low-cost counselling services, making it more accessible to people who cannot afford private therapy.

Choosing between psychotherapy and counselling depends on the nature of your mental health concerns, the duration of therapy you require, and your budget. Both approaches can be highly effective, and both require dedication and effort from the client. Remember that the most important factor in choosing a therapist is feeling comfortable and safe with them. If you’re unsure which approach is right for you, reach out to a mental health professional who can help guide you in making an informed decision.

If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Josh Zettel, Psychotherapist, or another Kitchener psychotherapist in Waterloo or Kitchener at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!

Picture of Josh Zettel, BA (Hons), MA, RP (Qualifying) CCC

Josh Zettel, BA (Hons), MA, RP (Qualifying) CCC

Psychotherapist, Clinic Director
Life can be hard at times. Do you feel like you could use some extra support to manage the moments that life can bring? Josh is available to provide a space that offers trust, psychological safety, and evidence-based strategies to help you manage your mental health. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout, career stress, grief, having difficulties with self-regulation, self-esteem, life transitions, and relationships; Josh is here for you. With a BA Honours in Psychology and Philosophy from Wilfrid Laurier University and an MA in Counselling with a Specialization in Sport and Health Psychology from Adler University in Chicago, Josh brings his strong theoretical background from the fields of counselling and sport psychology to help you understand how the brain and body works, how you can improve self-awareness, and how to develop tools to move forward towards healthier habits both mentally and physically. Josh is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CSPA) and has earned certificates in Narrative Therapy and as a HeartMath® Certified Practitioner. He incorporates narrative strategies into his counselling approach along with HeartMath techniques and biofeedback technology for client’s looking for support with stress, anxiety, and self-regulation.

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