Counselling & Psychotherapy: What's the difference?

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Counselling and psychotherapy are both forms of talking therapy that can help us make sense of our feelings, experiences and relationships. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there can be differences in the way the work is approached.

Counselling often focuses on particular difficulties or experiences in our lives, helping us to understand what we are going through and find ways of managing things differently. Psychotherapy may offer an opportunity to explore these difficulties in greater depth, including how our earlier experiences and relationships might continue to shape the way we feel, think and relate to others in the present.

Sometimes, we may find ourselves caught in patterns that are difficult to understand or change, even when we recognise that they are causing us distress. Psychotherapy can help us become curious about these patterns, making connections between our past and present experiences and developing a deeper understanding of ourselves.

There is, however, considerable overlap between counselling and psychotherapy, and the distinction is not always clear-cut. The nature of the work will depend on the therapist's training and approach, as well as what you are looking for from therapy.

My approach is informed by psychoanalytic psychotherapy. I believe that taking time to explore our experiences, feelings and relationships can help us develop a greater understanding of ourselves and the ways in which we experience the world. This work is not about finding something wrong with us, but about approaching ourselves with curiosity and compassion.

Mind: Understanding therapy and counselling 

UKCP: What is Psychotherapy? 

BACP: Introduction to counselling and psychotherapy 

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