Difference Between Counselling and Therapy

Mental health concerns can take a toll on an individual's well-being. With a plethora of mental health professionals available, it can be overwhelming to decide whether to approach a counsellor or a therapist for help. Understanding the difference between counselling and therapy is crucial in making an informed decision about seeking help for mental health. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what counselling and therapy are, what's the difference between counseling and therapy is, and how to choose between them.  

Also read: How Can Therapy Help in Improving Self-Esteem When Depressed?

What is Counselling?

Counselling is a form of talk therapy that focuses on helping individuals address specific issues or problems. It is usually a short-term treatment, lasting anywhere from 6 to 20 sessions, depending on the severity of the problem and the professional's approach. The mental health professional will work with you to identify your goals and develop a plan for achieving them. The focus is on helping you make positive changes in your life, such as improving relationships, coping with stress, or overcoming a challenge.

You can seek counselling from a range of mental health professionals in India including social workers, psychiatrists, and therapists. As it is a short form of talk therapy, it is typically used to help individuals that have a relatively less severe problems. 

What is Therapy?

Therapy, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses many types of mental health treatment, and this includes counselling. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on specific problems, or it can be long-term, exploring deeper, underlying issues. 

The goal of therapy is to help you achieve greater self-awareness and to improve your emotional and psychological well-being. A licensed therapist will be able to help you become self-reliant to deal with your problems. The term ‘therapy’ is not used regularly in India - people often mistake therapists for ‘counsellors’, even though therapists undertake much more intensive mental health concerns while also providing counselling services for short-term, mild mental health concerns. 

Please remember to check the credentials of the mental health professional you’re seeking treatment from. It is important for them to have the right background and education. Mental health problems are serious, and in the hands of an unqualified person, a lot of things can go wrong. Make sure to check their education - for therapists, at least an MA/M.Sc. in clinical or counselling psychology, or a MPhil; for psychiatrists MBBS followed by an MD in Psychiatry. Try to enquire whether they are licensed or are seeking licensure from RCI, the Rehabilitation Council of India, which is the regulatory body for mental health professionals in India. 

Also read: How Therapy Can Help Adults With ADHD

What's the Difference Between Counseling And Therapy

The major difference between counselling and therapy is the scope of treatment. Counselling typically focuses on specific, short-term problems, while therapy is a more comprehensive and in-depth form of treatment that addresses a wider range of emotional and psychological issues. Additionally, therapy often involves exploring the individual's experiences and relationships, while counselling typically focuses more on the present. 

It is also important to note that counselling cannot be used as a substitute for therapy - a counsellor is not equipped to handle serious mental health conditions, whereas a therapist is able to do that. A therapist can also take therapy sessions, whereas a counsellor cannot take therapy sessions. Therapy also takes a lot more time, as compared to counselling. This is because therapy is typically used for dealing with serious mental health problems, and sometimes, these issues can take multiple sessions to deal with. 

How to Choose Between Therapy and Counselling

So, how do you know whether to choose therapy or counselling? The answer to that question depends on your specific needs and goals. If you have a specific issue or problem that you'd like to work through in a short amount of time, counselling may be the best option for you. However, if you'd like to delve deeper into your thoughts, feelings, and relationships, or if you're dealing with more complex or long-standing mental health issues, therapy might be a better fit. 

Also read: How Will Therapy and Psychiatry Benefit Me?

Think of it this way - if you’re dealing with a breakup or stress because of exams, counselling can help. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with symptoms of depression or anxiety, therapy would be the right treatment for you. 

In any case, it's important to talk to a mental health professional to determine which type of treatment is right for you. They can help you assess your needs and recommend a course of action that will help you achieve your goals.