There is no agreed definition for either ‘counselling’ or ‘psychotherapy’, and, in practice, they tend to overlap. Counselling may focus on a particular issue or life transition, such as substance abuse or bereavement. Psychotherapy may focus on deeper changes in someone’s personality, the way they relate to themselves and to others. Whereas counselling may be more problem-focused, many people engage in psychotherapy to discover more about themselves and to live life in a more rewarding way.

Psychotherapists are usually highly trained in one particular type of therapy. They have an in depth knowledge of that therapy (e.g. psychodynamic), but may not be overly familiar with other forms of therapy. UK Professional Body: United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy or British Psychoanalytic Council.

Counsellors are usually trained within one particular form of therapy. They will have been trained in counselling skills and will possess a counselling qualification. UK Professional Body: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Psychiatrists are medically trained Doctors who have chosen to specialise in treating mental disorders. They are the only mental health practitioners qualified to prescribe medication. Some psychiatrists have undergone extra training in therapy and offer similar services to psychologists or psychotherapists. UK Professional Body: Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Anyone who has obtained a Psychology degree is entitled to call themselves a Psychologist. However, there are many different kinds of Psychologist, and the people who are qualified to offer therapy are usually called Clinical Psychologists or Counselling Psychologists. They are usually trained in a variety of different therapies and are in a good position to assess you for the type of therapy you might need, and often are able to provide it. UK Professional Body: British Psychological Society.