Can you spot the difference between therapists?
A therapist’s title tells us the training they’ve undertaken, their way of working and the type of clients they tend to focus on. (It’s worth noting that some titles have different meanings outside of the UK.) Below is my way of summarising some of the different types of therapists you could choose to work with. I’ve tried to highlight their similarities and differences by comparing their aims, settings and patterns of working.
Counsellors
Trained therapists who can support you to make positive changes in your life, including finding ways of coping with difficult situations. They work in a wide range of settings including GP surgeries, mental health centres, voluntary services, educational institutions and in private practice (independently). You would usually see a Counsellor on a weekly basis for a set and limited number of sessions.
Psychotherapists
Trained therapists who can support you to understand yourself and make positive changes in your life. They also work in a wide range of settings including GP surgeries, mental health centres, voluntary services, educational institutions and in private practice. You would usually see a Psychotherapist on a weekly basis either for a set number of sessions or as part of an open-ended agreement.
Psychoanalysts
Trained to help you to explore and analyse your unconscious (hidden) defences and cognitive dissonance (inner conflicts) to change unwanted or unhelpful behaviours. They often work in a mental health clinic, therapeutic agency, or a private practice. You would usually meet with a Psych analyst two or three times a week for a long period, for example over several years.
Psychologists
Trained in behavioural sciences (how we think and interact). They can support you to explore unwanted behaviours and explain how these can be changed. They usually work in hospitals or NHS clinics, with clients referred (signposted) to them by a psychiatrist or GP. You would usually see a Psychologist anything from once a week to once a month.
Psychiatrists
Qualified doctors who can both diagnose mental health problems (such as mood, anxiety, personality, psychotic, eating, substance abuse and trauma-related disorders). They can also, if appropriate, prescribe drugs to help ease your symptoms. They often work in or are connected to a hospital or similar medical institution. You would usually see a psychiatrist on an intermittent basis, for example every month to six weeks.
The difference between Counselling and Therapy
In the UK, there can be very little difference between a Counsellor and a Therapist. However, a Counsellor may be more likely to focus on the here-and-now where a Therapist may spend more time exploring the roots of feelings and behaviours that are having an impact on your life. Like many practitioners who are both Counsellors and Psychotherapists, I will tailor my way of working to whatever best fits a particular client.
Further Reading
There are several professional bodies that represent, work with, and provide information on different types of Therapists:
The Counselling Directory – for Counsellors and Therapists
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) – for Counsellors and Therapists
The British Psychological Society (BPS) – for local Therapists
The British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) – for Cognitive Behavioural Therapists
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) – for Psychotherapists
