Counselling V/S Psychotherapy

We all have come across the term “Counselling”, in our daily lives. We’ve thought of becoming a counselor when we successfully “counsel” our friends by discussing their relationship issues. But rarely we would have given a thought that what a counselor does, or if there’s a counselor, then why therapists exist? What’s the difference between a counselor and a therapist? Or is there really any difference?

Let’s find that out today!

• What is Counseling and Psychotherapy?

The terms Counseling and Psychotherapy are used interchangeably because the difference between these two is minimal.  Therefore it becomes more so important to explain these overlapping terms so that in the end you can decide who should you approach when you need mental support and stimulation.

To say, the counselor is someone who gives counsel or advice. Now per se, anyone who gives you advice will be a counselor, a bank manager giving you financial advice is also a counselor. In terms of mental health, counseling signifies a brief treatment or a type of talking therapy, where the counselor will give you advice on your present situation or present behavior, without going in-depth.

They offer advice to individuals to better manage their life and be adaptable and overcome adversities.

-Psychotherapy is a long-term treatment that tries to unearth the root cause that leads to an individual’s physical or emotional trauma.

-Psychotherapy aims to understand a person’s past and how the past influences their present situation, and provide advice that brings long-term changes in their life.

It is understood that a psychotherapist may provide both counseling and therapy, but a counselor cannot provide psychotherapy as it requires more skill and that’s why is administered by professional psychologists or psychiatrists.

•Similarities:

As mentioned earlier, Counseling and Psychotherapy are similar to each other, but not identical. Both the methods include parts of each other. The similarities include:

-Both the methods are effective for a wide range of people, be it adult, child, individual, family, etc.

-Development of trust and safe environment and relationship between a therapist and the person seeking therapy.

•When should you see a Counselor?

-It would be advisable to visit a counselor than a psychotherapist if you are dealing with a specific or short-term issue.

-If you are going through life transitioning situations such as job change or grief or are spiraling into addictions.

-You want to level up your mental stability to better manage relationships and issues of life.

-You should see a counselor if you are looking for someone who supports and guides you in a situation while you try to find solutions to a problem to lead a better healthy life

•When should you visit a Psychotherapist.

– You are dealing with problems that are having a destructive impact on your life and relationships.

-The issues are recurring.

-You are dealing with some unaddressed issues that maybe are playing a role in your current issues.

-You have a diagnosed clinical issue such as PTSD, Bipolar disorder, clinical anxiety,  etc.

-You have been to a counselor already, but there’s no significant change in your life.

Sometimes, it can be confusing whether to choose a therapist or a counselor, but the most important thing is to begin! You need to address your issues rather than putting them under the rug because ignorance will only make it worse. It may take time for you to find the right person to confide in, but it’s okay to visit multiple therapists or counselors, until you find the one whom you can trust, because trust plays a pivotal role in you being able to deal with your mental stress.