Psychotherapy vs Counselling Therapy: What’s the Difference
Psychotherapy and counselling are two forms of therapy that are often used interchangeably or confused with one another, and for good reason; they are both common treatment approaches for mental health problems and provide a great deal of help to those in need.
The Key Differences
Psychotherapy is usually a more in-depth approach to a mental health problem that takes time and focuses on behaviours, feelings, and past experiences.
However, the term psychotherapy is quite broad. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT is a form of psychotherapy as well as psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, interpersonal therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), existential therapy, and more.
Counselling, on the other hand, usually refers to shorter-term talk therapy aimed at helping people resolve pressing and current issues; think marriage counselling, guidance counselling, or career counselling.
Training, Credentials
A key difference between a counsellor and a therapist is their exact training.
In Australia, for example, psychotherapy is not unique to psychologists and psychiatrists; counsellors can and often are trained in things like CBT. However, in-depth training is needed to become a registered and certified CBT, ACT, or DBT psychotherapist.
In Australia, clinical psychologists must have completed 8 years of education during which they receive extensive training in at least one form of psychotherapy, usually more.
Counsellors, on the other hand, will learn psychotherapeutic techniques in courses like an accredited Masters in Social Work, but do not have to be a practitioner of one specific type of psychotherapy; they can pick and choose the best techniques for the situation at hand or specialise.
To be registered as a counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association, you will need at least a diploma in counselling, with higher-level tiers requiring a master’s.
Scope of Practice
Scope of practice refers to the boundaries within which a professional can safely and legally work, based on their qualifications, training, and experience. For psychotherapy and counselling, it defines what services a practitioner is allowed to provide to whom.
For example, clinical psychologists can diagnose mental health disorders and deliver specialised psychotherapies for complex conditions. Counsellors cannot formally diagnose and, depending on their level of training, typically work with less severe concerns like relationship issues, grief, stress, or adjustment problems.
Understanding the scope of practice makes sure people receive safe, ethical, and appropriate care based on the provider’s competence and credentials. It also spreads the strain of mental health care across the healthcare system.
Goals and Outcomes
When most of us go to a therapist of any kind, we have a specific goal in mind–whether you want your physio to fix a swollen knee or a psychologist to address specific anxieties. Understanding what your goal is and who can best address that goal is why there are different therapists with different scopes.
If you are looking for career advice or support with a specific life issue like grief or relationship conflict, a counsellor might be your best bet, offering short-term, goal-focused support. Counselling often aims to improve coping strategies, communication skills, and decision-making in day-to-day life, drawing from psychotherapeutic techniques and the counsellor’s own experience.
Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is generally suited to people seeking deeper change, like understanding long-standing emotional difficulties, healing from trauma, or managing chronic mental health conditions. The outcomes of psychotherapy often involve long-term emotional growth, improved self-awareness, and changes in personality or behavioural patterns that unfold gradually through sustained awareness and conscious work.
Techniques and Approach
There is no one way to therapize; an idea that is especially salient when you look at counselling and psychotherapy. While both use evidence-based techniques, the depth and structure of those techniques often differ. Counselling tends to be more present-focused, practical, and directive—think active listening, solution-focused strategies, and guidance through a specific challenge. It may integrate tools from CBT or mindfulness, but typically in a flexible, short-term framework.
Psychotherapy, on the other hand, can take a more structured and intensive approach. Depending on the modality, this might include cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, or exploring unconscious drives and early life experiences. Sessions can feel more exploratory, aiming to build insight over time.
The therapist-client relationship itself often becomes a key part of the therapeutic process, especially in psychodynamic or humanistic approaches.
Finding the Right Approach For You
Choosing between counselling and psychotherapy comes down to what you want and need from therapy.
If you are trying to overcome a specific issue in a shorter time frame, a counsellor could be for you–after all, there’s no harm in trying out. If counselling doesn’t feel right, why not give psychotherapy a go?
Either way, the most important factor is the quality of the therapeutic relationship—feeling heard, safe, and respected. Whether you work with a counsellor, psychologist, or psychotherapist, effective therapy is built on trust and collaboration. Don’t hesitate to ask about a therapist’s training, methods, or scope of practice—finding the right fit can make all the difference in your journey to better mental health.
