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.

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