What is the difference between Counsellors and Psychologists?
Since the time of Freud there has been rivalry amongst theoretical orientations and practises, however, therapists can integrate supervisory groups into their practices with colleagues from other approaches (Norcross et al., 2005).
Norcross, J. C., & Goldfried, M. R. (2005). Training in Psychotherapy Integration. Handbook of Psychotherapy Integration. doi:10.1093/med:psych/9780195165791.003.0021
This guide is designed to help people understand what the differences are between the professions so they can better understand how their needs can be met. There is no evidence to suggest that one form of mental health care speciality is superior to another. Everyone is different and has different needs to meet their individual circumstances.
Evidence based practises and modalities are taught to trained professionals, all of whom overlap in many ways, but have distinctions in other ways.
So what's the difference between a Counsellor & Psychotherapist, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Social Worker, and Mental Health Nurse?
Counsellors
In contrast to treatments utilising mainly chemical or physical measures a Counsellor or Psychotherapist uses evidence based therapies to help clients develop interpersonal skills to gain insight to promote positive personality growth and development. Counsellors are relational practitioners who assist with the resolution of specific problems or changes in life transitions, holistically tailored to the needs of clients (which can be individuals, families, couples or groups) in their family, social and cultural contexts to assist clients to resolve issues affecting their wellbeing and social functioning. Predicated on reciprocity of trust without judgement, the relationship with the client is the focal point of therapy utilised to explore the genesis of underlying problems and disordered patterns of behaviour that require resolution, within the framework of a contracted professional relationship.
Psychologists
A Psychologist will diagnose a problem and sometimes refer clients to a psychiatrist for medication. There are three commonly referred to which include: generalist, clinical, and counselling psychologists. All registered psychologists can diagnose, assess and treat clients within the limits of their competence (AAPI). https://aapi.org.au/Web/findapsychologist/About-psychologists-for-clients/Web/Accessing-Psychologists/What-is-a-psychologist.aspx?hkey=c760c394-c888-42f0-8e9e-1f2828493563
A large number of psychologists fulfil some type of a therapeutic role, assessing their client’s concerns and life circumstances, and offering support, advice and treatment to address their client’s issues (APS). https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/about-psychology/What-does-a-psychologist-do/Assessment-and-therapy-(1)
A psychologist with an area of practice endorsement usually has additional university qualifications and supervised training in that specific area.
More than 60% of Australia's psychologists are psychologists with general registration. A generalist Psychologist works in a number of settings and is often called upon to conduct psychological assessments and write reports for individuals, education and forensic settings (APS). https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/about-psychology/types-of-psychologists/General-psychologist
Clinical psychologists provide a wide range of psychological services to individuals across the lifespan and for mental health conditions that range from mild to severe and complex (APS). https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/about-psychology/types-of-psychologists/Clinical-psychologists
Counselling psychologists provide a wide variety of techniques and therapeutic approaches that meet the specific needs and circumstances of clients which include mediation, counselling, and mental health disorders (APS). https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/about-psychology/types-of-psychologists/Counselling-psychology