Psychology, Psychotherapy & Counselling

The terms psychology, psychotherapy, and counselling refer to distinct but overlapping fields of mental health care. There are differences in terms of training, regulation, scope of practice, and which conditions typically fall under their expertise.

What is a psychologist?

A psychologist is a registered mental health professional trained to manage mental, behavioural, and emotional conditions. Our psychologists are experienced in diagnosing and treating patients of all ages, backgrounds, and mental health conditions.

The scope of a psychologist includes:

• Diagnosing mental health conditions
• Using evidence-based therapies including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
• Working with moderate to severe mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders
• Conducting psychological assessments and testing

Reasons to see a psychologist

Common reasons for patients to see our psychologists include:

• To manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder, or an eating disorder
• For a formal diagnosis or psychological assessment
• For support dealing with trauma or grief
• Wanting help to overcome addictions or phobias
• For support in managing the mental aspect of chronic pain or health-related stress

What is a psychotherapist? 

A psychotherapist uses certain techniques such as talk therapy to empower patients to make sense of their past experiences, behavioural patterns, and emotional responses. 

Psychotherapy:

• Focuses on deep emotional and relational issues
• Often involves longer-term therapy
• May use modalities like psychodynamic therapy, Gestalt, or existential therapy
• Emphasises exploration and insight over formal diagnosis

Reasons to see a psychotherapist

Common reasons our patients seek help from our psychotherapists include:

• Wanting to explore long-standing emotional patterns
• Needing help to deal with complex trauma or attachment issues
• Seeking personal growth, self-awareness, or identity exploration
• Preferring a non-diagnostic, insight-oriented approach
• Interest in therapeutic modalities like psychodynamic, Gestalt, or existential therapy

What is a counsellor?

A counsellor is similar to a psychotherapist in that they use talk-based therapies to enable patients to overcome negative or overwhelming emotions such as stress, grief, or relationship issues. 

Counselling:

• Helps with mild to moderate emotional problems
• Focuses on non-judgemental listening, support, and goal-setting
• Does not diagnose or treat severe mental illness
• Is often a shorter-term intervention and more solution-focused

Reasons to see a counsellor

Common reasons patients wish to see our counsellors include needing help with:

• Coping with stress, relationship problems, or grief
• Communication or conflict resolution
• Improving self-esteem or coping skills
• Going through a significant life change, such as divorce, job loss, or parenting

Counselling may also be more suitable for those who prefer a short-term, solution-focused approach to managing their challenges. 

Meet Our Psychology, Psychotherapy & Counselling