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 the difference between counselling 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 who have relatively less severe problems.

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What Is Therapy?

Therapy, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses many types of mental health treatment, including 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. They need 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. Ensure that their education meets the required standards - for therapists, a minimum of an MA/M.Sc. in clinical or counselling psychology, or an MPhil; for psychiatrists, an 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 Counselling And Therapy?

While counselling and therapy are often used interchangeably, they differ in focus, duration, and goals. The table below outlines the main differences:

Aspect | Counselling

Focus - Addresses specific issues such as stress, relationship challenges, career decisions, or grief.

Duration - Usually short-term, often lasting a few weeks to a few months.

Approach - Problem-solving and guidance-oriented, helping clients cope with immediate challenges.

Setting - Common in schools, workplaces, and community centres.

Practitioner - Typically offered by counsellors, who may not always hold advanced clinical training.

Goal - To provide support, clarity, and coping strategies for specific life situations.

Aspect | Therapy (Psychotherapy)

Focus - Explores deeper emotional and psychological concerns such as trauma, depression, anxiety disorders, or personality issues.

Duration - Often long-term, extending over several months or years, depending on the individual’s needs.

Approach - Seeks to identify root causes of emotional distress and supports long-term behavioural and cognitive change.

Setting - More commonly found in clinical or specialised healthcare settings.

Practitioner - Conducted by licensed therapists or psychologists with formal training in mental health treatment.

Goal - To promote deeper self-awareness, healing, and sustainable mental well-being.

Both counselling and therapy can be beneficial. Choosing between them depends on whether someone needs short-term support for life challenges or in-depth help for ongoing mental health concerns.

What Is The Similarity Between Counseling And Therapy?

Despite their differences, counselling and therapy share many important similarities. Both provide a safe, confidential space for individuals to talk about their thoughts, emotions, and challenges without judgment. Each approach is led by trained professionals who use evidence-based techniques to support clients in managing difficulties and achieving personal growth. 

Whether addressing short-term stress or deeper psychological concerns, both aim to improve mental health, enhance coping skills, and foster resilience. Ultimately, counselling and therapy work toward the same goal, helping individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

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.

When Should I Consult A Therapist? 

You may want to consult a therapist if you are experiencing persistent emotional, behavioural, or psychological difficulties that interfere with your daily life. Therapy is especially helpful when issues are complex, long-standing, or deeply rooted. For instance, conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or personality disorders often require structured therapeutic approaches. Therapy can also benefit individuals struggling with grief, relationship difficulties, chronic stress, or unresolved trauma.

Therapists use evidence-based methods to address these challenges. Common types of therapy include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): focuses on recognising and changing unhelpful thought patterns.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious processes and early experiences influencing current behaviour.
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Useful for regulating emotions and managing intense distress.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Concentrates on improving communication and relationship dynamics.
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): Often used for trauma and PTSD recovery.

Unlike counselling, therapy tends to be longer-term and aims to create lasting change in thought patterns and behaviour. If your struggles are recurrent, complex, or feel overwhelming to manage on your own, seeking a therapist can provide the professional support you need to regain balance and well-being.

When Should I Consult A Counsellor? 

A counsellor can be a great resource if you are facing short-term challenges or specific life issues that feel difficult to handle alone. For example, problems such as stress at work, adjusting to a new environment, conflicts in relationships, or preparing for major life transitions can be effectively addressed in counselling. Counsellors help by providing practical strategies, emotional support, and guidance to improve your coping skills and decision-making.

If your concern is immediate, focused, and situational—rather than deeply rooted or chronic—counselling may be the right choice. It helps you function better in the present and move forward with confidence.

How To Prepare For An Appointment With A Therapist? 

Before meeting a therapist, take time to reflect on your concerns and what you hope to achieve through therapy. Jot down key issues, symptoms, or questions you want to discuss. Arriving with clear goals helps your therapist understand your needs and ensures you make the most of your session.

How To Prepare For An Appointment With A Counsellor? 

To prepare for a counselling session, think about the specific challenge or situation you want to address. Make a note of any recent experiences, feelings, or decisions related to it. Be open to discussing your goals, as clarity will help your counsellor guide you with practical support and strategies.

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