Psychotherapy and Counselling
What is the Difference between Psychotherapy and counselling?
Elevate Psychologists Sydney provides both psychotherapy and counselling services administered by clinical psychologists in Sydney.
Counselling and psychotherapy are both forms of talk therapy that involve a trained professional helping a person to work through emotional or psychological issues. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Counselling is typically a shorter-term therapy that focuses on specific issues and goals. It may involve exploring feelings, behaviors, and coping mechanisms related to a particular problem. For example, a person seeking counselling may want help with managing stress, grief, or relationship difficulties. Counselling sessions are often structured and may involve specific techniques or interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or solution-focused therapy.
Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is generally a longer-term therapy that focuses on deeper, more complex issues. It may involve exploring a person’s past experiences, beliefs, and patterns of behavior that may be contributing to current problems. Psychotherapy sessions are often more open-ended and may involve free-form conversation, with the therapist helping the person to gain insight and develop new ways of thinking and behaving.
In summary, while counselling and psychotherapy are both forms of talk therapy, they differ in terms of their focus, duration, and the level of training required for the therapist. Counselling is typically shorter-term and focused on specific issues, while psychotherapy is longer-term and explores deeper, more complex issues.