Counselling vs. Psychotherapy: What’s the Difference?
In the UK, counselling and psychotherapy are similar, but they differ in depth, approach, and training. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right support for your needs.
| Counselling | Psychotherapy | |
|---|---|---|
| Academic level | At least Level 4 Diploma | At least Level 7 Diploma |
| Duration of training | 2-3 years (part time) | 4-7+ years |
| Focus of training | Practical skills, active listening, therapeutic techniques |
In-depth psychological theories, unconscious processes, more complex mental health issues |
| Supervised clinical hours required for registration | 100+ client hours | Extensive supervised practice |
| Personal Therapy Requirement | Not always required | Minimum 160 hours of personal therapy during 4 years of training (UKCP requirement) |
| Therapeutic Approach | Present-focused, solution-solution based | Deep psychological work, long-term change |
