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Therapy vs. counselling: what’s the difference?
So, you’re thinking about starting therapy—or is it counselling? Maybe a friend can’t stop raving about their therapist and how therapy has changed their life—could talking to a professional work wonders for you, too?
If you’re ready to take that first step—congratulations! You’re about to embark on a rewarding and life-changing journey. But there’s one problem: figuring out where to start can be overwhelming.
One of the biggest hurdles to starting therapy is the terminology. With “psychotherapy” and “counselling” often used interchangeably, you might be wondering: what’s the difference? And more importantly, which one is right for you?
We’ve got you covered! Read on to discover the truth about counselling and psychotherapy and find out how to choose the right therapist for you.
What’s the difference between a psychotherapist and a counsellor?
“The only difference between a psychotherapist and a counsellor is that ‘psychotherapist’ has five syllables and sounds way cooler,” as Joshua Fletcher, also known as Anxiety Josh, puts it in his book, And How Does That Make You Feel?:
While countless online articles attempt to dissect the differences between counselling and psychotherapy, the reality is that both are led by qualified mental health professionals dedicated to helping clients overcome challenges and improve their well-being.
Counsellor, psychotherapist, and psychologist are the most common terms these mental health professionals use to describe themselves. At emote, we believe that the title matters less than the relationship you build—it’s about finding someone who listens, understands, and creates a safe space where you can express yourself freely.
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) aligns with this, defining counselling and psychotherapy as “umbrella terms that cover a range of talking therapies.” In other words, there’s no significant difference — it’s often a matter of personal preference or how practitioners choose to define their work.
Should I see a counsellor or therapist?
While there’s debate in the therapy world about the differences between counsellors and therapists, both are equipped to help you navigate life’s challenges and work through your emotions in a safe, non-judgmental space.
Both counsellors and therapists offer personalised services, tailoring their approach to fit your unique needs. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, low mood, or past trauma, these professionals are focused on helping you manage your feelings, process your emotions, and move forward.
Ultimately, the title matters less than the quality of care and the alignment with your needs. A counsellor or therapist—no matter what they call themselves—can provide the meaningful support you’re looking for.
How can a counsellor or therapist help me?
Counsellors and therapists are trained to support you through a wide range of challenges, whether you’re struggling with everyday stress or more complex mental health issues.
Having a clear idea of the challenges you want to work through is an important first step in choosing a mental health professional. Here are just a few of the areas they can help with.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, a counsellor or therapist can help you navigate and manage these emotions in a healthy way.
Whether it’s work-related stress, family dynamics, or personal challenges, talking to a professional can give you the tools and strategies to handle life’s hurdles with more confidence and resilience.
Low self-esteem can impact every area of your life. Therapy or counselling can help you identify the root causes of negative self-perception and work on developing a healthier, more positive view of yourself.
Struggling with habits you want to break? A counsellor or therapist can help you understand the patterns behind those behaviours and guide you toward healthier choices.
Processing trauma can be a difficult and deeply personal journey. A professional can help you work through painful experiences and guide you toward healing at your own pace.
Therapy isn’t just about problem-solving — it’s also about self-discovery. Understanding why you feel and act the way you do can lead to personal growth and deeper self-awareness.
Whether you’re dealing with family conflict, friendship issues, or romantic relationships, therapy can offer valuable insight and help you build healthier, more fulfilling connections with others.
What type of therapy do I need?
Finding the right therapeutic approach can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that there’s no one-size-fits-all. Different types of therapy can help address your unique needs, and exploring various approaches can help you find the one that resonates most with you.
This approach is all about you. It focuses on creating a supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings freely, helping you become more self-aware and confident.
By blending different therapeutic methods, integrative therapy is flexible and tailored to your needs. It allows therapists to adapt their approach as they get to know you and your specific challenges.
CBT is designed to help you change negative thought patterns and behaviours. It’s particularly effective for managing anxiety, depression, and stress by teaching practical skills to cope with difficult emotions.
This therapy focuses on exploring unconscious feelings and past experiences that may be influencing your current behaviour. It’s ideal for understanding deeper emotional issues and patterns that have developed over time.
A highly experiential approach, Gestalt therapy encourages you to focus on the present moment and your interactions with others, helping you understand how you experience the world and your emotions.
If you’re grappling with big life questions—like meaning, freedom, or isolation—existential therapy can help you explore these themes and find personal empowerment in how you navigate them.
By exploring how you experience the world, phenomenological therapy helps you understand your perceptions and emotions, empowering you to interpret life events in a way that feels more meaningful.
This method focuses on understanding social interactions and relationships. By analysing communication patterns, it can help improve how you relate to others and navigate conflicts.
If you’re looking to improve problem-solving skills and focus on your present reality, this approach can help. It encourages taking responsibility for your actions and choices while working toward positive change.
As a goal-oriented approach, solution-focused therapy emphasises finding practical solutions to your problems. Rather than dwelling on the past, it helps you focus on what you want to achieve moving forward.
More important than the type of therapy you choose is the relationship you develop with your therapist. The right one will create a safe space where you feel seen, heard, and understood—which is where the magic of therapy happens.
At emote Care, we make it easy to find a therapist or counsellor who truly understands you. With a wide range of therapists offering various approaches, you’ll be able to find the right fit for your unique needs.
Ready to start your journey? Browse through our platform to find a therapist or counsellor today, and take the first step toward improving your mental health and well-being.