Differences between psychotherapy London, psychotherapists in London, psychotherapeutic counselling London, psychotherapeutic counsellors in London, psychoanalysis London, psychoanalysts in London, psychiatry London, psychiatrists in London, psychology London, psychologists in London. Various types of psychologists: clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, educational psychologists, health psychologists, forensic psychologists, neuropsychologists, occupational psychologists
Counselling, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapeutic Counselling, Psychoanalysis, Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Psychiatry
Psychology, Psychiatry, Psychotherapy & Counselling
There are many significant differences between psychiatry, psychology and psychotherapy. Each deals with different types of problems. But there is also some overlap and similarities in their work. Some psychiatrists and psychologists also train as psychotherapists.
Counselling & Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy UKCP member psychotherapists undergo a four-year, postgraduate, in-depth and experiential training in how to work with a variety of people with a wide range of emotional distress, mental health issues and difficulties. Psychotherapists are trained in one or more of the psychotherapy modalities. A Psychotherapist works with a person as an ongoing process and may acknowledge the symptom as not necessarily a bad thing, where they may be viewed as obstacles towards steps of growth rather than complete disappearance.
Counselling is a way of enabling change, choice or of reducing confusion. Counselling can help clients examine in detail their behaviour or situations which that are proving troublesome and to find areas where it might be possible to initiate change. A counsellor may help a client examine their options, helping them to decide which may be best for them.
Psychotherapeutic Counselling is distinguished from traditional counselling by its emphasis on the co-creation of an in-depth therapeutic relationship; wherein the suffering human being is viewed holistically, body, mind and soul and in the context of a concrete life situation and developmental stage. UKCP member psychotherapeutic counsellors are counsellors who have trained to a UKCP recognised standard and are competent to practice to the highest standards of counselling. Source: UKCP – UK Council for Psychotherapy
Differences Between Counselling and Psychotherapy Counselling & psychotherapy have many similarities. It is not possible to make a generally accepted distinction between counselling and psychotherapy. There are well founded traditions which use the terms interchangeably and others which distinguish between them. There is usually a general understanding that a psychotherapist has had longer training than a counsellor, and can work with a wider range of clients/patients. Psychotherapy is often considered to take longer and go deeper (often there are twice as many training hours, tutor contact time, supervised client work & personal therapy, usually several years). But there are also exceptions to every rule and there is no set difference.
Psychiatry
Psychiatrists are qualified medical doctors, specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. They can prescribe psychiatric medication. A Psychiatrist works within a medical framework and so will have trained as a medical doctor first and then specialised in psychiatry. Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental illnesses and disorders. Only psychiatrists and medical doctors can prescribe medications. For further information, go to The Royal College of Psychiatrists web site.
Psychology
Psychologists are social scientists who study behaviour and mental processes. Some work in research, education and commercial fields. Psychologists provide, administer and interpret psychological tests and assessments. A Psychologist is a general term for someone who has studied psychology, usually to degree level or beyond. Psychologists have observed and measured human behaviour scientifically and have produced models and therapies based on this knowledge. There are a number of different branches of psychology including Occupational Psychology, Forensic (Criminal) Psychology, and Educational Psychology, amongst others. A Clinical Psychologist or a Counselling Psychologist will have done further training (often to a doctorate level) to be able to administer psychological tests (personality tests, intelligence tests, etc.) and to be able to treat people with emotional or behavioural difficulties. For further information, go to The British Psychological Society web site.
Clinical Psychologists undergo specialist postgraduate training to qualify in psychological - or 'talking' - therapies. They are not medical doctors and do not prescribe drugs. Clinical psychologists work in similar ways to psychotherapists, although they may use a variety of methods including psychometric tests, interviews and direct observation of behaviour to assess clients and decide on therapy options. Clinical psychologists aim to reduce psychological distress and to enhance and promote psychological well-being. They deal with mental and physical health problems including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, addictions and relationships. Clinical psychologists work with both adults and children.
Counselling Psychologists work with clients to examine mental health issues and explore the underlying problems that may have caused them. Counselling psychology works across a diverse range of human problems, such as bereavement, past and current relationships, mental health issues and disorders. If you are looking for someone to examine the wider causes of a particular problem/condition, a counselling psychologist may be for you.
Educational Psychologists apply psychology to helping children and young people and most work within the local education authority system. They deal with difficulties in learning and social adjustment, so if you are looking for a 'child psychologist' then an educational psychologist may be able to help.
Forensic Psychologists deal with psychological aspects of legal processes, including applying theory to criminal investigations, understanding psychological problems associated with criminal behaviour, and the treatment of criminals. Sometimes people speak about a 'criminal psychologist', 'legal psychologist', 'criminologist' or a 'profiler'. but very often it may be they want to speak to a forensic psychologist.
Health Psychologists work in a relatively new field where psychological principles are used to promote changes in people's attitudes, behaviour and thinking about health and illness. They deal with topics such as quitting smoking, skin care in the sun or promoting safer-sex. The aim is promote good health and prevent illness.
Neuropsychologists look at the relationship between the brain and neuropsychological function. This means neuropsychologists deal with things related to the brain, such as vision, memory, smell, and taste, or on the biological basis for conditions like depression. Psychologists within this field also help with assessment and rehabilitation of people with brain injury or other neurological disease such as strokes, dementia, tumours and degenerative brain diseases.
Occupational Psychologists help an organisation to get the best from its workforce and improve the job satisfaction of the individual. By applying psychological expertise, they work to increase the organisation's effectiveness and improve the career development of employees. This can involve topics such as how to motivate staff, recruit the best people for the job or help individuals gain new skills, plan careers, or cope with redundancy. Occupational psychologists may also design or use psychometric tests, as a way of measuring people's suitability for a particular role.
