What is the difference between a psychotherapist, counsellor, psychologist & psychiatrist?

A Psychotherapist is someone who will help you discover yourself through deep reflection on the past and present. They will also help you to gain more perspectives so you find new meaning in your story. There are many different types of psychotherapists with different theoretical backgrounds and focuses. They might be free-flowing and client-centred, or they might introduce specific tasks and talking points. However, an Integrative Psychotherapist will adopt several ways of working. Psychotherapists are usually qualified to Masters level.

Counsellors do very much the same as psychotherapists, though there might be a difference in the depth that they can offer. Sometimes Psychotherapists choose to call themselves Counsellors as to sound more approachable. Counsellors are usually qualified to Postgraduate Diploma level.

Psychologists look at the mind, behaviour and how it is influenced by our thoughts and feelings. They would work in a practical way, using elements of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) as well as assessments. They will work with specific symptoms, rather than your history. Psychologists are usually qualified to degree level. Counselling Psychologists are usually qualified to Doctorate level.

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health. They have the license to diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. They might use elements of talking therapy to support the people they work with. Psychiatrists are qualified to Doctorate level.

How do I know if I should start therapy?

Well if you made it to this page, I think that’s a great sign. Also, you don’t need to have a deep reason to have therapy. You only have to be willing to try. Some people start therapy to work through a specific chapter in their lives, or because they feel stuck in their present life. However, many people try therapy just because they want to try it. And that is a good enough reason. Therapy is a space for further emotional growth, self-preservation and also a place for joy as much as for trauma. If you feel both ready and a little scared (naturally), then now is a good time.

What can I expect from the first session?

Expect to feel a little nervous about the first session, it’s very natural… I’ve been there! In the first session, we will start to introduce each other, and you might tell me a little about what brought you to therapy now. We will talk about what your life is like currently, and what self-care and support looks like. Then I’ll ask you what your hopes and goals are, so that we can work towards them.

How long will I need therapy for?

This is really up to you, dependent on how you feel and what you can afford. Most people who work with me choose to do this long-term and open-ended. The benefit of this is it allows time for our therapeutic relationship to grow for us to work on a much deeper level. However, this is often a financial privilege that not everyone can afford. I would suggest a bare minimum of six sessions, with regular reviews. Ultimately though, you get to decide when you would like us to work towards ending. We would need at least two sessions notice, so that we can review and bring closure to our work.

How do I cancel a session?

Cancelling a therapy session is really easy. All you have to do is drop me an email to let me know that you can’t make. However, any cancellations made with less than 48 hours are still charged. This is to cover any room and supervision fees, as well as for my time and holding the space for you even in your absence.

How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?

Check out my website and Instagram to give you a sense of my vibe. If that feels comfortable, then drop me an email and we can discuss any questions you might have. Finding a therapist is like dating, and so I won’t be a match for everyone. I really recommend “dating around” until you find someone that you can imagine building a trusting, supportive relationship with.

What if I have nothing to talk about?

It can feel so weird coming to a session and feeling that you have nothing to talk about. However, in my personal and professional experience, these are often the best sessions within the process! When we arrive without an agenda, it allows space for things to come up which we didn’t expect. It’s also a great opportunity to let things progress naturally, which is helpful for those who have difficulties with control and perfectionism.

Is therapy hard?

I can’t lie… Yes, it can be. In therapy, we might be revisiting things that you hoped to forget or touching on areas which feel uncomfortable. But these are signs that there is room for healing and compassion. People are often surprised by the process they have outside of the sessions too, as they might notice feeling more triggered by things initially. This is because they are beginning to listen more to their emotional needs rather than to block them, and this shift can be a rude awakening.

As a therapist on Instagram, what happens with my confidentiality?

Confidentiality is incredibly important to me & how I practice as a therapist. Even though I speak about therapy & general themes of healing on social media, much of this comes from my own personal process rather than that of my clients.

Outside of sessions, I will not share our work with anyone except my clinical supervisor. Her role is to advise & challenge me to be a better therapist for you.

The only time I will need to break confidentiality is if I felt that you or someone else were at risk of harm. In this case, I would discuss this with you first & we would make a collaborative decision about how to get further support.

Do you go to therapy?

During my training, I had five years of consistent, weekly therapy. This was an incredibly valuable, but also challenging experience. It helped me to unpack a lot of my own story, as well as to experience a lot of the things that my clients now go through in the therapy space. I now dip in and out of therapy, depending on where I am emotionally. I also attend regular supervision with a clinical supervisor, who guides me to ensure I am being the most emotionally available therapist that I can be.