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Writer's pictureFaisal Vysam Purath

Counselor vs. Psychotherapist: Where should I go now?

Updated: Jul 18

What is the connection between psychotherapist and counsellor? are they synonyms?

"I am not doing well in my career, I think I should meet a counsellor to get expert to advise"

"I am experiencing a high level of anxiety these days, I need to consult a psychotherapist"


In these two contexts, the word counsellor and psychotherapist is used as a source of help, but it has distinct meaning even though the word has been often used interchangeably over decades. In general, counselling is recommended for specific issues and situations, such as addiction or grief, and takes place over weeks to several months. Psychotherapy, in contrast, tends to explore past issues that might be contributing to present-day problems. It often takes place continually or intermittently over a period of years. In actual practice, however, there is a great deal of overlap between the two types of therapies. Understanding some more of the differences between counselling and psychotherapy may be helpful in choosing the type of therapy that will be most effective for you as an individual.


Is a counsellor a psychotherapist as well? or who is a Psychotherapist?

Counselling or Psychotherapy

As we mentioned already, these 2 words can use interchangeably, In most cases, a psychotherapist can offer both counselling and psychotherapy

so what makes the difference is a great question. a psychotherapist is a professional psychologist who is trained and qualified in psychotherapy and who administers these tools in counselling as well. Psychotherapy needs more skills than counselling and It is conducted by professionals trained to practice psychotherapy such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, a trained counsellor, or a social worker. While a psychotherapist is qualified to provide counselling, a counsellor may or may not possess the necessary training and skills to provide psychotherapy. Counselling Technically speaking, "counsellor" means "advisor." It involves two people working together to solve a problem. It is a term that is used in conjunction with many types of advice-giving. For example, financial planning and spiritual guidance are both types of counselling. so technically speaking, every 'ammavan' and 'ammayi' of us are counsellors. Just about anyone may claim to be a counsellor if they are in the role of giving advice.

In the context of mental health,

"counselling" is generally used to denote a relatively brief treatment that is focused primarily on behaviour.

it often targets a particular symptom or problematic situation and offers suggestions and advice for dealing with it. In this setting, the counsellor offers guidance and support as the individual figures out ways to better manage life and adjust to change or adversity.


The counselling process solely focuses on present problems and situations and is for short-term therapy (for a period of weeks and up to 6 months) where action and behaviour focused and which mostly include talking therapy and drives to guidance, support, and education to help people identify and find their own solutions to current problems.

There are many types of counsellors, such as marriage and family therapists, grief counsellors, addiction and substance abuse counsellors, and more.

Psychotherapy "Psychotherapy" on the other hand is generally a longer-term treatment that focuses more on gaining insight into chronic physical and emotional problems.

Its focus is on the person's thought processes, and how these may be influenced by past events such that they cause problems in the present.

Psychotherapy Focuses on chronic or recurrent problems and considers overall patterns, big picture oriented. it is a Long term therapy, either continuous or intermittent over many years and Feeling and experience focused than a single problem. it may include testing (such as personality, intelligence), talk therapy, and other therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy and it leads to an in-depth focus on internal thoughts/feelings (core issues) leading to personal growth.


In other words, psychotherapy addresses the root cause and core issues of current problems so that lasting change and personal growth may occur. There are several different types of therapy that fall under the general heading of psychotherapy, including approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and much more.



Even though these two words are distinct, the similarities are not omittable. these both are focusing on the development of healing and set in a safe and secure environment, and include a therapeutic relationship between a therapist and an individual. in both settings, the sole aim is to understand a person's feelings and behaviours and address issues with the goal of improving a person's life.

simply, counselling is removing the obstacle whereas psychotherapy is understanding the stones and paving a new path where obstacles are seen in a different light. one is dealing with problems and another is resolving the roots of problems


 

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