Counsellor | Psychotherapist | Psychologist | Psychiatrist | Coach

26 Mar

So many health practitioners and therapists…. here’s some information to help you understand a little more about each of these…

Counsellor

This term is not protected in Australia which essentially means anyone can call themselves a counsellor, doing a short course, or extensive post graduate training. Counselling is usually for specific issues and for a short-term. There are two registration bodies for counsellors in Australia. These are the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). These bodies ensure members have adequate training and uphold professional standards of ongoing professional development, supervision, and ethical conduct. You do not need a GP referral to book in to see a counsellor and there is no Medicare rebate available (unless they are a registered Psychologist). Counsellors focus on the specific problem(s) at the present time, through a variety of interventions and models. This may include reflection on how past experiences have shaped current behaviours, or patterns. There is a here and now focus, using the past, where relevant, as information to make sense of, and improve, the present.

Psychotherapist

Not to be confused with ‘Psychoanalyst’ which is one form of psychotherapy many people traditionally associate with lying on a couch, thanks to the movies. Psychoanalysis was the first model of talk-therapy, founded by Sigmund Freud. There are now countless other theories and frameworks psychotherapists use. Psychotherapy (and counselling, and psychology) draws on neuroscience and evidence-based models. Some of these include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Focusing Oriented Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, Gestalt Therapy. Psychotherapy and counselling are often used interchangeably. The main difference is psychotherapy is usually over a longer period, and works at a deeper level. In this way psychotherapists work with people with diagnosed mental health conditions and help in understanding how past experiences have influenced and shaped current behaviours, thoughts and feelings. The focus is on the current issues (in the here and now), drawing on the past as a basis for understanding problematic thoughts and behaviour, which are usually unconscious. If working with a psychotherapist, check out their training and professional affiliation, and the standards they uphold to keep up to date with the latest scientific research. You do not need a GP referral to book in to see a psychotherapist and there is no Medicare rebate available (unless they are also a registered Psychologist).

Psychologist

This is a protected term, and regulated by the medical profession, through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Psychologists must undertake a minimum of 5 years, usually 6 years, training. Psychologists may specialise in many fields (eg organisational, child development, cognition). Training is in mental health skills and in particular CBT. Some psychologists extend their training to counselling and psychotherapy skills. Psychologists can undertake specific assessments and diagnose mental health disorders. Appointments with psychologists do not need a GP referral, although if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate you will need a Mental Health Care Plan, from a GP. The Medicare rebate for psychologists is currently (2021) around $88 (General Psychologist) and $124 (Clinical Psychologist). Psychologists do not prescribe medication.

Psychiatrist

Is a medically trained doctor who has specialised in psychiatry (11 years study). Psychiatrists can diagnose and treat, with prescription medication. You need a referral to book in with a psychiatrist. Appointment times are usually limited and you may be referred on for talk therapy with a psychologist, counsellor or psychotherapist.

Coach

Another term anyone can call themselves. Trained coaches work with their clients to set and achieve goals. Emphasis is on performance and making progress. Sessions focus on where you are now and where you want to be, with the gap representing the work to be done. Action steps are articulated, to support goals. Obstacles are addressed, and resources to support progress are identified and boosted. There is a tendency for clients to come to coaching to move from functioning okay, to functioning optimally. Some psychotherapy models, such as solution focused brief therapy, and positive psychology theory align with coaching theory.

Wellness Coach

Again, not a protected term or profession. Supports you to close the gap between where you are and where you want to be in relation to your wellbeing. This methodology utilises coaching psychology, behaviour change and positive psychology theory. Resistance to change is addressed and clarity of what is desired, why it is wanted, along with obstacles, and supportive resources, to achieve the client’s vision, or outcome.

A bit about me

As a trained counsellor, psychotherapist, and wellness coach, I will not tell you what to do. I will listen and reflect what you share and help you discover your own answers, way forward, or next step. In each of these roles it is my intention to create a safe and supportive space for you to become more familiar with who you are and what’s getting in the way of living a life with less suffering, more meaning, or more purpose. We can explore what you want, and how this looks for you. I will guide you as we draw out your strengths, and build your resilience, to manage life’s challenges. In working this way together we identify the core beliefs playing out in your life today. Bringing these to the surface (into your consciousness), you then have the opportunity to change them. My wish is to work with you to help you become clear on what you want, and what you need to move toward that, and attune to what the next forward step is.

If you’d like support in making changes in your life, please do reach out for a 10 minute chat, or book in for a session with me.

Get in touch with Nicky