Counselling & Therapy

"Counselling/psychotherapy is the skilled and principled use of relationship to facilitate self-knowledge, emotional acceptance and growth and the optimal development of personal resources. The overall aim is to provide an opportunity for people to work towards living more satisfyingly and resourceful."

- Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (2020) -

According to Ivey et al. (2023):

Counselling is a more intensive and personal process. It focuses on listening to and understanding a client’s life challenges and developing strategies for change and growth. Counselling is most often associated with the professional fields of counselling, human relations, clinical and counselling psychology, pastoral counselling, and social work. It is also part of the role of medical personnel and psychiatrists.

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Psychotherapy focuses on more deep-seated difficulties, which often require more time for resolution. Historically, psychotherapy was the province of psychiatrists, but they are limited in number, and today, they mainly offer short sessions and treatment with medications. This means that professionals other than psychiatrists conduct most talking therapy. Thus, it is logical that other specialists, such as clinical and counselling psychologists, clinical mental health counsellors, and clinical social workers, now provide most psychotherapy. 

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All these psychiatrists and other professionals interview clients to obtain essential facts and information as they begin therapy, and they often provide counselling as part of the therapeutic process.

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In summary, counselling and therapy involve a trained professional providing support and guidance to individuals with emotional and psychological difficulties. The choice between counselling and therapy often depends on the nature of the challenges a person is facing and the depth of exploration and healing required. Both processes are aimed at helping individuals improve their overall well-being and quality of life.

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Reference:

1. Ivey, C. T., Habecker, N. M., Bergmann, J. P., Ewald, J., Frayer, M. E., & Coughlan, J. M. (2023). Weak reproductive isolation and extensive gene flow between Mimulus glaucescens and M. guttatus in northern California. Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1093/evolut/qpad044.