The Difference Between Psychotherapy, Counselling and Coaching - Let’s Talk Psychotherapy

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THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PSYCHOTHERAPY, COUNSELLING AND COACHING - PART 1

I get asked this question quite a lot and this has motivated me to outline the differences in a three-part blog about psychotherapy, counselling and coaching.

The aim is to provide a quick and reliable resource for you to refer to or to share with another so that you can make an informed choice about what you need in the moment.

I’m trained in all three disciplines and often during client sessions, they can cross over depending on what comes up at the time.

Over the next three blogs, I’ll be unpicking each one.

So, let’s start with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy

This is also known as talk therapy and is a very thorough treatment to assist someone in understanding their feelings, behaviours and thoughts.

It’s actually very similar to counselling however psychotherapy tends to delve deeper into the underlying causes of a person’s concerns and will also focus on how to solve them.

As with any therapy, it is necessary for the person to be open and willing to change. 

Psychotherapy is often used to support the following: 

  • Overwhelming feelings of sadness or helplessness

  • Feelings of anxiety most of the time

  • Difficulty facing everyday challenges or focusing on work or studies

  • Using drugs or alcohol in a way that is not healthful

  • Being at risk of self-harming or harming others

  • Feeling like your situation will never improve, despite receiving help from friends and family

  • Experiencing/experienced an abusive situation

  • A mental health condition, such as schizophrenia or bipolar that affects your daily life and has been diagnosed and/or medicated

There are many approaches to psychotherapy from one-one, face-face, in pairs and groups, telephone and video to styles including talking, drama, story-telling and music. Often psychotherapists do not follow one style and tend to blend elements from different approaches.

Sessions can range from 45 - 90 minutes each time and can last from just a few sessions to years of therapy. 

If this resonates with you then here’s a quick outline of a few types of approaches used.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

This assists a person in understanding how their thoughts and behaviours impact both their feelings and the way they act with others and themselves. Solutions are put in place where change is desired.

Interpersonal Therapy

This supports the person in managing their communications with others and understanding their feelings about experiences, for example getting angry when ignored whereby others may not respond well to your anger and in turn you may feel isolated resulting in depression.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

This is a relatively new therapy (developed in 1987) and is mainly used when supporting trauma related issues like PTSD. It is also starting to be used to manage anxiety and depression.

The client is encouraged to recall the traumatic experience and follow the stimulating lateral movement of the therapist’s finger, or listen to audio/use hand tapping.

If we consider that a past traumatic memory becomes distressing when it has not been fully processed in the brain, EMDR appears to be a very effective way of resolving this.

Rather than focusing on the emotions, thoughts and responses following a traumatic experience, EMDR concentrates on the traumatic memory itself - changing the way it is stored in the brain, reducing it, eliminating its responses and allowing the brain to naturally heal.

The aim is to reduce the intensity of the memories over time.

Psychodynamic Therapy

This therapy looks at the way past experiences, usually in childhood have influenced current behaviours and thoughts. 

By understanding the source of why, for example you feel anxious much of the time, you can feel empowered to take control of your life in an informed way.

Humanistic Therapies

These include:

  • Person-centred therapy - aka Rogerian Therapy identifies that each person has the capacity and desire for personal growth and change where the therapist practices empathy and unconditional positive regard 

  • Gestalt therapy - regards the individual as a totality of mind, body, emotions and spirit

  • Human Givens - a practical, holistic and scientific approach based on fulfilling our human needs and ensuring that our innate resources are adequately met.

Group Therapy 

Groups between 5 and 15 people who share a similar concern i.e. depression, anxiety or addiction gather in one place for a maximum of 2 hours. They may also meet individually with the therapist outside of these sessions.

This style can initially feel intimidating however one of the many benefits is that you realise you’re not alone.

Online Therapy

This is becoming very popular especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

It suits those who cannot access a therapist outside of the home, have mobility challenges, a hectic schedule or feel uncomfortable meeting another in person.

It can be conducted via video, messaging or phone.

A Few Things To Consider

Psychotherapy can help by giving you someone to explore your problems with confidentially, find new perspectives and assist you in moving forwards with solutions. 

As I mentioned you must have a desire to take part, want to actively engage in treatment and be willing to participate inside and outside of the set sessions. Regular session attendance coupled with punctuality and openness to explore what arises are both necessary components.

Your experience and response to psychotherapy will be individual to you, so take into account your reasons for seeking therapy, the skill of the practitioner, the relationship between you and the therapist and your support network outside of the sessions.

Please ensure that you always seek out reputable, professional and qualified therapists by taking the time to research them before reaching out.

You can find my profile and other therapists at welldoing.org.