The Difference Between Counselling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Psychotherapy

Navigating the world of mental health support can be overwhelming. With a variety of options available, understanding the differences between counselling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and psychotherapy is essential. Each approach offers unique benefits and strategies that can significantly impact your mental health journey. This post clarifies these terms and helps individuals make informed decisions about their care.

What is Counselling?

Counselling involves a trained professional guiding a client through past experiences in a safe and supportive setting. This process often focuses on a person freely speaking what's on their mind. The primary goal of counselling is to provide reassurance and support, allowing clients to build resilience. Counselling is a non-directive way of talking therapy pioneered by Carl Rogers. For example, someone grappling with relationship issues may find counselling beneficial. However, it is not for everyone.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) takes a structured and goal-oriented approach to help individuals identify and alter negative thought patterns and behaviors. Founded on the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another, CBT empowers clients to make actionable changes.

Therapists work closely with clients to determine underlying causes of distress and create practical solutions. For instance, a person with anxiety may learn techniques to challenge negative thoughts, enabling them to face anxiety-provoking situations. CBT has been shown to be the most effective and evidence-based psychotherapy in treating anxiety, low mood, eating disorders, PTSD, OCD, with studies revealing that approximately 60% to 80% of individuals show improvement following treatment.

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is an umbrella term encompassing various therapeutic approaches, including both counselling and CBT. It involves in-depth discussions that promote personal insight and emotional healing. Psychotherapy may explore underlying issues, including past traumas, family dynamics, and long-standing emotional habits. For example, an individual may seek psychotherapy to understand the impact of childhood experiences on their current relationships.

Why Are Counselling and Psychotherapy Often Confused?

The confusion between counselling and psychotherapy often arises from their overlapping elements and the terminology used. Many people refer to their experiences as counselling, regardless of whether they are engaging in counselling type of therapy or CBT.

For example, therapists may advertise their services as psychotherapy to create a welcoming atmosphere. However, clients seeking help may not differentiate between counselling and CBT, often desiring simply to share their challenges. Regional and cultural variations in terminology can further complicate understanding.

The Relationship Between Counselling, CBT, and Psychotherapy

Understanding the dynamics between counselling, CBT, and psychotherapy can help individuals select the right type of support.

• Counselling is a non-directive way of talking therapy, providing a safe space to talk about anything, including past experiences.

• CBT is a more goal-orientated talking therapy that focuses on emotions, feelings, behaviours, thoughts and how past experiences lead to the development of the problem. CBT provides a safe space to talk about difficulties while also providing psycho-education to understand the development of mental health problems, tools and strategies to deal with them at the moment and in the future when things get worse. CBT is very often accommodated with homework and learned strategies, e.g., questioning and recognising negative thoughts and relaxation techniques.

• Psychotherapy is an umbrella term for both types of therapies, counselling and CBT.

  
  

Clients often prefer either one or another approach. Usually, clients are recommended to work with one therapist at a time for better therapy outcomes.

Making the Right Choice

When considering mental health care, it's vital to identify your specific goals. Here are several factors to keep in mind:

1. Nature of Issues: If you're facing immediate challenges, like anxiety or depression, or something that impacts your daily life, CBT might be more suitable. For ongoing emotional problems, like difficult relationships or difficulties in sharing things, counselling as non-directive talking therapy exploring the past could be more advisable. However, CBT still can offer a safe space for talking about the past, and counselling can be beneficial in exploring thoughts, feelings, emotions and behaviours.

   
   

2. Therapist Credentials: Always ensure the therapist has appropriate qualifications in the specific method they offer. Their training and experience can greatly influence your therapy's effectiveness. Accreditation is not essential but recommended as there can be CBT therapists and counsellors with appropriate training and experience with no accreditation and therapists with lower quality training and less experience with accreditation.

   
   

3. Therapeutic Goals: Consider whether you're looking to develop coping skills and strategies, process emotional experiences, or change behaviours, work with negative thinking or you are looking for a space to talk with someone who will listen without interrupting you. Your goals will guide your choice between CBT and counselling.

   
   

4. Personal Preference: Individuals may feel more comfortable in structured environments like CBT or prefer the exploratory nature of counselling.

   
   

By understanding these distinctions, individuals can better navigate their mental health journeys, leading to personal growth and resilience.

AI generated picture of calm and inviting therapy room for supportive mental health discussions.

Final Thoughts

In essence, counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy, both types of psychotherapy, share a common purpose: enhancing mental health and emotional well-being. However, they do so through different methods. Recognising their unique characteristics and applications will empower you to choose the most suitable pathway for your mental health needs.

Whether seeking immediate help, structured change techniques, or a deeper understanding of your experiences, comprehending these differences will enhance your therapeutic journey. Being aware of your goals and preferences allows you to engage in effective treatments that support your mental health aspirations.

In the next blog, we will explore how to choose the therapist for yourself...