What is Counselling? What is Psychotherapy?? What is Psychology??! What is Psychiatry???!! So many people have this question, and many have asked us these questions. In this article, we’ll attempt to explain these terms, the associated professions and what they all are.
Counselling, Psychotherapy and Psychology basically fall under the study of the Human Mind, where Counselling and Psychotherapy are branches which aim to enhance Mental Well Being and Mental Wellness. Psychiatry is the Medical discipline related to the Study and Treatment of Mental ailments and illness.
1. Psychology
1.2. What does a Psychologist do
2. Counselling
2.2. What does a Counsellor do
3. Psychotherapist
3.2. What does a Psychotherapist do
4. Psychiatry
4.2. What does a Psychiatrist do
5. Conclusion
1.1. What is Psychology?
Lets have a look some definitions of Psychology:
“the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behaviour in a given context.” [1]
“Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. The discipline embraces all aspects of the human experience — from the functions of the brain to the actions of nations, from child development to care for the aged. In every conceivable setting from scientific research centers to mental healthcare services, “the understanding of behavior” is the enterprise of psychologists.” [2]
“Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Psychologists are actively involved in studying and understanding mental processes, brain functions, and behavior”. [3]
Simply put, Psychology is the Scientific Study of the Human Mind, its Functions and Behaviour. Psychology encompasses almost all mind related fields and studies, and is considered an Anchor Discipline / Field for such studies.
1.2. What does a Psychologist do?
Within the field of Psychology itself, there are several branches a person may specialize in. Some of these Specilizations include:
– Clinical Psychologists
– Organisational Psychologists
– Forensic Psychologists
– School Psychologists
Amongst many other specializations. All of the above specialities deal with research and treatment, with some specially trained to deal with severe or disabling conditions (example, Clinical Psychologists), while others may work with branches of the Government, such as the Judiciary (example Forensic Psychologists).
However, most often, Psychologists are heavily involved in the Research aspect of the Mind, and generally enter the field of research according to their interests, while others may choose to be more involved in a Clinical setting.
Psychologists in a Clinical Setting Do Not prescribe medication, although certain states in the United States allow Clinical Psychologists to prescribe medication (Idaho, Louisiana, Illinois, New Mexico, Iowa) [5]
2.1. What is Counselling
Merriam-Webster defines Counselling as follows:
“professional guidance of the individual by utilizing psychological methods especially in collecting case history data, using various techniques of the personal interview, and testing interests and aptitudes” [4]
The Counselling profession is known by many names. From Therapists to Professional Counselling to Counselling Psychologists, no single term adequately or accurately defines Counselling. Broadly, Counselling has been grouped under Talk Therapy. Counsellors use evidence based research and practise in providing their services.
2.1. What does a Counsellor do
Counsellors are trained professionals who usually work on the present, “here and now,” and assist Clients in dealing with their Emotions, Life, Stresses, Mental Health by talking in an open, non-judgemental and confidential environment. Counselling Sessions are usually tailored to the Client, and do not follow a single mold. Several techniques and skills are utilized by the Counsellor in achieving the objectives of the Client. They assist a person by developing strategies and increasing self-awareness, and in doing so, assist Clients in helping themselves, enabling them to resolve issues on their own.
Counsellors provide a safe, confidential space for people to share openly, towards healing.
Key aspects of Counselling:
1. Counsellors usually focus on present problems faced by Clients.
2. Counselling is usually short term
3. Provide Guidance and Support to enable people to heal on their own.
4. Usually categorized as Talk Therapy
3.1. What is Psychotherapy
Both Counselling and Psychotherapy maybe categorized as Talk Therapy, however a variety of techniques are employed in Psychotherapy. Some of these techniques include Cognitive Behavioural and Psychoanalytical Therapy amongst others. One of the key differences between Counselling and Psychotherapy is that a Psychotherapy addresses Chronic and long term, recurrent problems faced by Clients, while Counselling focuses on the present, “here and now” situations. It is generally a longer treatment as compared to Counselling.
3.2. What does a Psychotherapist do?
A Psychotherapist aims to explore the root cause of problems and traumas the core deep seated issues, to bring about a lasting change in an effort to promote personal growth and self awareness, by looking at the overall issue, patterns and direction.
Key aspects of what a Psychotherapist does include:
1. Analyzing Patterns, reaching core deep seated issues.
2. Utilization of techniques and approaches – may include a combination of techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychoanalysis, Mindfulness, Functional Analysis amongst others
3. Examination of Psychological History and though patterns.
4. Exploration of unconscious triggers.
4.1 What is Psychiatry
Merriam-Webster defines Psychiatry as follows:
a branch of medicine that deals with mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders [6]
As suggested by the above definition, Psychiatry is a branch of Medicine. Psychiatrist are Medically trained Professionals, who undertake basic medical training and thereafter move on to specialize in Psychiatry.
4.2. What does a Psychiatrist do?
Psychiatrist are medically trained professionals who have undergone residency and speciality training.They are authorised and trained to prescribe medication which may include Anti-Psychotics, Benzodiazepines, Mood Stabilizers, Sedatives amongst others.
1. Psychiatrists usually employ the use of Psychotherapy and Counselling as well.
2. Deal with complex cases and treat Mental illnesses.
3. Provide Psychological and Medical Testing
In contrast, Counsellors, Psychotherapist and Psychologists (with exceptions in some States in the United States, with additional qualifications) do not prescribe medication.
5. Conclusion
An interesting point to note is that Psychotherapists can Counsel, however, Counsellors are usually not equipped to perform Psychotherapy. That being said, the lines these days are being “blurred” as Counsellors equip themselves with the tools and training to perform Psychotherapy. The effectiveness of these disciplines is amplified greatly when they are utilized together.
What most people do not realise is that experience plays an important role. An experienced Counsellor / Psychotherapist would have worked with a multitude of issues and managed several cases with a range of issues. Through the years, these Professionals would have worked on themselves as well, which is actually a requirement of best practises in this Profession – Counsellors and Psychotherapists are encouraged to engage in Personal Therapy and Supervision throughout their career.
For the purpose of this article, and in an effort to make it concise and short, we have not gone into much detail.
References
[1] “What is Psychology,” Definitions from Oxford Languages via Google.com, Access 19 June 2021.
[2] How does the APA define “Psychology,” American Psychological Association. Accessed 19 June 2021.
[3] What is Psychology, Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University. Accessed 20 June 2021.
[4] counseling. (2021). In Merriam-Webster.
[5] Can Psychologists Prescribe Medications? (May 06, 2020). Verywell Mind. Accessed 21 June 2021
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