The difference between counselling and psychotherapy

Although the terms Counselling and Psychotherapy are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between them.

Counselling

Counselling focuses on specific issues or events with the aim of both understanding and making changes, should you wish. The focus may be on problem solving or on learning specific techniques for coping with or avoiding problem areas. This is also usually more short-term work.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is conducted with a Psychotherapist and is usually, though not always, longer-term work as it focuses on a broader range of issues.

Psychotherapy provides the opportunity to understand yourself at a deeper level and how you relate both to yourself and others in the world. With the option to understand thoughts, feelings, behaviours and unconscious processes, people can feel better equipped to manage stresses, understand patterns in their behaviour that may interfere with reaching personal goals, have more satisfying relationships, and better regulate their thinking and emotional responses to stressful situations.