Counselling and Psychotherapy – What's the difference?

 

While counselling and psychotherapy share similarities in therapeutic values and outcomes, they are not the same. 

 

Counselling may be better indicated for specific problems and recent changes in life adjustment.

 

Psychotherapy is helpful in looking at long-standing and more deep-seated issues that may reflect some past, and often unconscious, inner conflicts affecting our life. It is a process of deepening the relationship with yourself and others, and the world around you. Getting to know and ‘hear’ the unconscious motivations and behaviours that may be blocking you from a deeper connection with yourself and others and creating a more fulfilling life.

 

With either approach, the aim is to support the client in an explorative journey, helping deal with problems in new ways, and progress towards greater self-awareness, and acceptance and a more resourceful and satisfying life.

 

With an understanding of people's life challenges, financial commitments and desire to accomplish personal development, healing and mental health, counselling and psychotherapy is offered within a challenging, safe and contained therapeutic relationship.

 

Psychotherapy is usually seen as a longer-term and more intense form of therapy directed toward deeper-seated issues such as personality issues, meaning in life, or psychological disorders. Psychotherapy draws on psychotherapeutic and psychological theories and findings. Psychotherapy may have a heavier emphasis on a particular therapeutic approach or framework, and requires extensive training. Despite these distinctions, many therapists and professional associations see no differences between counselling and psychotherapy, especially at advanced levels of training.