Psychotherapy or Counselling? What is the difference?

Although the terms psychotherapy and counselling are used interchangeably and there are similarities, there are also distinct differences. Both the main UK governing bodies UKCP and BACP have different views on whether there actually is a difference. Here we focus mainly on what qualifications and training are required  to either become a psychotherapist or counsellor and what each can and cannot do when working with clients.

Requirements for becoming a psychotherapist or counsellor:

Psychotherapy

• Psychotherapy training takes at least 4 years at post-graduate level, however most train longer.
• Psychotherapy Trainees are required to have at least 160 personal therapy hours during their minimum of 4 training years. This benefits client and therapist safety immensely.
• Additionally a psychiatric familiarization placement is required, hence psychotherapists also have an understanding of mental illness and disorders and are familiar with working with people with mental health diagnoses beyond depression and anxiety.
• The requirement for UKCP registration and accreditation are 750 client hours and regular supervision with a UKCP registered supervisor.
• Psychotherapists can provide long-term and short-term therapy and counselling and usually offer a deeper understanding of the self.
  

Counselling

• Counsellors can train in colleges as well as University with the final year of a diploma course being at graduate level.
• The average training time takes 2 years plus a usually 30 hour foundation course.
• Some Universities offer postgraduate programs which can lead to a Masters degree.
• Trainee Counsellors in the UK are currently not required to have any personal therapy, however individual training courses might still make it a requirement.
  
• The BACP requirement for registration is currently based on having worked with at least 1 client on a regular basis and practiced for a minimum of three years. Registration is possible after 100 client hours, accreditation after 450.
  
• Counselling is usually short-term and deals with a symptom or problematic situation.

In Summary

Someone trained as a psychotherapist will be qualified to provide psychotherapy and counselling, whilst somebody trained in counselling might not necessarily be qualified in providing psychotherapy. This is especially important if problems are deeper rooted and work needs to be done in the long-term at a deeper level.
Although the distinction between counsellor and psychotherapist is a hot debated topic, the requirements and differences in depth of training suggest a clear distinction. A good argument for the distinction between UKCP and BACP standpoints and psychotherapy and counselling is made in this article  http://www.therapytoday.net/article/show/550/ .
Both professionals are required to undergo continuous professional development (CPD) to improve their skills and understanding.
The United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) states: "UKCP believes the difference lies in the length and depth of training involved and in the quality of the relationship between the client and their therapist. UKCP-registered psychotherapists are trained to Masters level."
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) states on their website: "BACP, as an Association, has not distinguished between counselling and psychotherapy."
The Health and Care Professions Council is currently also suggesting a distinction between counselling and psychotherapy.
Considering the above, if you are looking for short term work on a specific problem or behaviour you might consider counselling. Sometimes during counselling a need for deeper work might surface and it might become advisable to discuss a referral to psychotherapy. Whoever you will work with, it is important to consider qualifications, work experience and training as well as the counsellor's or psychotherapist's ethical considerations.

References:

Counselor or Psychotherapist? The Difference Between Counseling and Psychotherapy (about.com)
What is Psychotherapy? (UKCP)
BACP Student Pages FAQ (BACP)
Consultation on the statutory regulation of psychotherapists and counsellors (HCPC)