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
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Counselling
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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.
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.